Calprotectin Test – Price, Normal Range & Stool Level Results
Faecal Calprotectin Test Explained
Digestive symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, or blood in the stool can sometimes indicate inflammation within the intestines. A calprotectin test is a simple, non-invasive test to help diagnose intestinal inflammation. It aids in distinguishing inflammatory bowel diseases from functional digestive disorders.
Read on to know the faecal calprotectin test price, normal results, and the significance of abnormal stool levels.
Test Details in Brief
| Particulars | Details |
| Also Known As | The stool calprotectin test is also known as a faecal calprotectin assay, faecal inflammation test, calprotectin test, or stool calprotectin test. |
| Purpose | To determine whether inflammation is present in the intestines. |
| Preparation | Certain medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may influence results. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions. |
| Fasting Required | No fasting is required before the test. |
| Report Availability | Results are usually available within 1–5 days, depending on the laboratory. |
| Cost | INR 1,500 – INR 4,000 |
What is a Calprotectin Stool Test?
The faecal calprotectin test is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to measure calprotectin levels in stool. When inflammation occurs in the intestines, a protein called calprotectin is released by white blood cells. Determination of faecal calprotectin levels allows healthcare providers to differentiate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms from non-inflammatory symptoms, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Measuring calprotectin in faeces allows doctors to obtain important clues about the state of the digestive tract without needing to perform a colonoscopy. The test requires only a small stool sample, which can be collected in the morning in most cases.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor might order a calprotectin stool test if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating or change in bowel habit
- Watery diarrhea
- Cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bloody diarrhea
What Does a Calprotectin Stool Test Measure?
The calprotectin test looks for inflammation in the digestive tract by measuring the amount of calprotectin in a stool sample.
- Detects Intestinal Inflammation: Tests the amount of "calprotectin" in stools to detect inflammation in the intestines.
- Helps Differentiate IBD from IBS: Helps physicians distinguish whether the symptoms are due to inflammatory bowel disease or a functional bowel disease.
- Monitors Disease Activity: Supports monitoring of disease activity and response to treatment in people with a diagnosis of IBD.
- Supports Treatment Planning: Help physicians determine if there is a need for changes in treatment or maintenance therapy.
- Reduces Unnecessary Procedures: Can assist with deciding if more tests are needed, like a colonoscopy.
Why is a Faecal Calprotectin Test Prescribed?
A faecal calprotectin test is commonly recommended for individuals with symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool to assess for intestinal inflammation. The test identifies whether the bowel disease is inflammatory or not. It can be used to differentiate inflammatory bowel diseases from non-inflammatory bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
The findings can also assist medical practitioners in preventing unnecessary invasive treatments, especially if there is little likelihood of inflammation. If faecal calprotectin is high, further tests may be advised to find out what is causing this. On the other hand, normal results generally suggest the absence of significant intestinal inflammation, though mild or localized inflammation cannot be entirely excluded.
What is the Faecal Calprotectin Test Price?
The cost of a faecal calprotectin test is not fixed and may vary from place to place based on several factors. Knowing these could make it easier to evaluate the entire cost of the calprotectin test.
- Demand for the Test: The price of the calprotectin test may be slightly higher in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad because of the higher demand and cost of healthcare infrastructure.
- Included Services: Usually, the cost of the faecal calprotectin test includes lab processing, sampling, and professional service charges. It is important to check the contents of the package so that there are no surprises.
- Laboratory Standards: The lab that is selected plays a big part in the price. Highly precise results can be obtained at a higher price from laboratories that are technologically advanced.
- Discounts and Healthcare Packages: There are health packages and promotional discounts available at many diagnostic centres, which help to minimise the cost. These packages might also offer advice on the typical age-related range for calprotectin and on interpreting results.
What Do Calprotectin Stool Test Results Mean?
The results of a faecal calprotectin test indicate the degree of inflammation present in the intestines.
An elevated stool calprotectin level may indicate intestinal inflammation (enteroinflammation), such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rarely in colorectal cancer, or gastrointestinal infections.
Moderate (borderline) levels are usually signs of minimal to no inflammation in the bowel and can suggest other non-inflammatory bowel conditions, such as IBS.
Calprotectin Stool Level Reference Range
| Interpretation | Calprotectin Level (μg/g) |
| Normal (Low – No Inflammation) | 49 μg/g or less |
| Moderate (Borderline Elevated) | 50–120 μg/g |
| High | 121 μg/g or greater |
Understanding the Next Steps
The appropriate course of action after a faecal calprotectin test depends on your results and should always be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
1. Normal Results (49 μg/g or Less)
A score of 49 micrograms per gram (µg/g) or below is usually normal. In these situations, lifestyle changes (such as changes in diet, stress management, or regular exercise) can be used as a form of self-care to help manage symptoms.
If it is not accompanied by alarming symptoms and there is no inflammation, a doctor can make a diagnosis of IBS and recommend dietary changes and medications to help relieve symptoms, including antidiarrheals or antispasmodics.
2. Moderate Results (50–120 μg/g)
Levels of 50 to 120 micrograms per gram (µg/g) are considered moderately elevated and may require further testing or evaluation by a healthcare provider. Repeat sampling may be necessary after a couple of weeks of borderline elevations. Your doctor might also prescribe medication to control symptoms and monitor changes in faecal calprotectin levels.
3. High Results (121 μg/g or More)
A result of 121 µg/g or higher indicates a higher risk of intestinal inflammation and may necessitate additional diagnostic testing to determine the cause. When high levels of calprotectin in stool are detected, further tests like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be recommended to find the cause of inflammation and determine the treatment.
Other Conditions That May Be Detected Through Elevated Calprotectin Levels
A significantly elevated calprotectin faecal level may also be associated with:
- Bacterial infections
- Colorectal cancer
- Parasitic infections
When Should I Talk to My Healthcare Provider About This Test?
If digestive symptoms last for a few weeks, consult your health care professional if:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort, distention
- Bloody stool or Mucous stool
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Sudden or urgent bowel movements
- A persistent sensation of needing to pass stool
- Unexplained weight loss
If you've already been treated for inflammatory bowel disease and your symptoms return, your doctor might order another faecal calprotectin test to help determine whether you're having a flare-up and to confirm disease activity.
Reader Information: This article is meant to help you understand the basics of the calprotectin stool test in a simple and practical way. It explains why the test is done, what the results indicate, and how much it may cost in India. While the information can guide you in recognizing symptoms and test importance, it should not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and interpretation of your test results.
FAQ's
A calprotectin test can detect inflammation in the bowels. It's often used to differentiate inflammatory bowel diseases from non-inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
A stool sample is needed for a faecal calprotectin test. The sample is then submitted to a laboratory, where a specialist measures calprotectin levels to assess gut inflammation and make an accurate diagnosis of possible digestive disorders.
It is a convenient test for most people as there is no need for fasting before taking the stool sample. Your doctor may advise you to steer clear of certain medications or to take certain precautions to make sure your test results are as accurate as possible.
A low level of calprotectin (49 μg/g or lower) is not usually associated with any inflammatory changes in the bowel. Reference values may be slightly different depending on age, laboratory methods, and laboratory standards.
A high calprotectin stool level usually indicates inflammation within the digestive tract. It can be linked to conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, bacterial infections, colorectal cancer or other inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases that should be checked.
IBS does not cause intestinal inflammation, so calprotectin levels are typically normal. If elevated, another condition should be investigated.
Certain infections, inflammatory diseases, recent gastrointestinal bleeding and certain medications may affect the results of a faecal calprotectin test. Your full medical history helps your doctor interpret the results.
The price of the faecal calprotectin test can vary from one lab to another, depending on the city where the test is performed and the services offered. The test costs about INR 3,200 on average, but may vary according to the place and the provider.
A calprotectin test may be helpful to determine the presence of inflammation in the intestines and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. However, it cannot replace a colonoscopy, which may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis and determine the level of disease severity.
Repeat stool calprotectin testing intervals are based on your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment plan. Follow-up tests may be suggested periodically to monitor bowel inflammatory activity and assess treatment effectiveness.
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This content is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any medication, treatment, healthcare provider, or healthcare facility. Information provided may change over time. the listed hospitals in the article are included in the Star health network. Please verify the latest details, including insurance-related eligibility, with your insurer before seeking medical care, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any healthcare decisions.
