Fecal calprotectin - Intestinal inflammation marker

Description

Fecal calprotectin is a validated marker of intestinal mucosal inflammation. It is a protein released by neutrophils; when mucosal inflammation is present, these cells migrate into the intestinal lumen and calprotectin rises in the stool in proportion to the degree of inflammation.

Its main clinical value is to differentiate organic pathology —such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)— from functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to help decide the indication for colonoscopy, avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures.

Method

ELISA / immunoturbidimetry

Calprotectin concentration is determined by immunoassay (ELISA) or immunoturbidimetry, with a quantitative result in µg/g of stool.

Indicative values: <50 µg/g normal; 50-100 µg/g a doubtful range that may require repetition; >100-150 µg/g suggestive of organicity. Cut-off points are interpreted within the patient’s clinical context.

Sample

Stool collection

Stool sample collected in a sterile container with the kit provided. A small amount is sufficient for the determination.

Results

Quantification and context

The report expresses the calprotectin concentration and its interpretation against the reference ranges. Integrated into a complete panel (metagenomic NGS + functional biochemistry), the AI assistant Sophia places this marker alongside the microbiota profile and other functional parameters for a global assessment of the intestinal axis.

You can combine it with the remaining markers in the integrated profiles.

Clinical indications

Organic vs. functional differentiation

• Suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Distinction from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Support for the decision to indicate colonoscopy

Follow-up

• Monitoring of inflammatory activity in known IBD
• Assessment of treatment response
• Evaluation of patients with persistent digestive symptoms