Fecal Calprotectin for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The fecal calprotectin is among the laboratory tests healthcare providers may use to investigate Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Learn what it measures, how to prepare, and what results can tell a provider. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
Order a Fecal Calprotectin Test
Lab testing is available through our partner network. Order online and visit a local collection site. No doctor's order or insurance required.
- Sample type
- Stool
- Typical turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Preparation
- Collect sample as instructed.
Why the fecal calprotectin may be ordered for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome.
When evaluating Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a healthcare provider may order the fecal calprotectin alongside other tests based on your symptoms, history, and physical exam. Test selection and result interpretation are clinical decisions made by a qualified professional.
Symptoms associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Abdominal pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perc...
Bloody diarrhea
Passage of many stools containing blood....
Chronic diarrhea
The presence of chronic diarrhea, which is usually taken to mean diarrhea that has persisted for over 4 weeks....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Poor appetite
A reduced desire to eat....
Weight loss
Reduction of total body weight....
Other tests used to investigate Inflammatory Bowel Disease
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Crp Test C-Reactive Protein
This blood test measures levels of CRP to help indicate if cases of inflammation or infection are occurring. I...
Gastrointestinal Health Tests
Fast, easy and affordable gastrointestinal lab tests-- no insurance or a doctor's referral needed. Simply orde...
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
Assesses low-level inflammation and cardiovascular risk....
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fecal calprotectin used to investigate Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Yes - the fecal calprotectin is among the tests healthcare providers may consider when evaluating Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
How should I prepare for the fecal calprotectin?
Collect sample as instructed.
How long does the fecal calprotectin take?
Results for the fecal calprotectin are typically available within 2-5 business days depending on the laboratory.
Does this website interpret my fecal calprotectin result?
No. SymptomDatabase.com does not interpret laboratory results. Discuss all results with a qualified healthcare provider.