Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Calprotectin – Faecal
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: On scope
Intro:
Calprotectin is a protein biomarker used in the assessment of intestinal inflammation. It is a heterodimer of calcium binding proteins and accounts for 60% of the total protein present in the cytosol of neutrophilic granulocytes and macrophages. Calprotectin is released from these cells at sites of active inflammation and resists enzymatic degradation in the GI tract making it a sensitive and specific marker for the determination of disease activity.Calprotectin is used in the diagnosis of GI diseases such as Chron’s Disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and can help distinguish between irritable bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Calprotectin levels have been shown to correlate closely with endoscopic grading of UC thus it is superior to conventional non-specific inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP. Calprotectin is also able to discriminate between inactive, mild, moderate and highly active disease states in CD.
Measurement of calprotectin supports better patient management preventing the the need for patients to undergo invasive endoscopy procedures. Regular monitoring of calprotectin levels can also be used to assess response to treatment in IBD patients.
Pathology Laboratory:Manuals Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days
Test Code:CALP, CALE
Sample Type:
Random stool in suitable container.Collection Conditions / Other Information:Stool samples must be free from contamination e.g. from water, blood or mucus, as presence of these can give falsely elevated or lowered results.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Prior to postage store at 2-8°C. Stool samples must be free from contamination e.g. from water, blood or mucus, as presence of these can give falsely elevated or lowered results.
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st class post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS Faecal Markers Scheme
Lead Contact Details:Consultant Clinical Scientist, Dr Clare Ford
Email : clare.ford1@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 5162
