Calprotectin

Back to list

The Calprotectin test is a biomarker that assesses inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This test helps to discriminate between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Faecal Calprotectin levels elevate in patients with IBD and correlate with endoscopic and histological assessment of the disease. Patients with IBS do not present with increased faecal Calprotectin levels. Calprotectin offers a simple, reliable and non-invasive test for discriminating between the two bowel disorders.

This test is useful for patients that are needing to distinguish between IBD and IBS presentation. The test requires one stool specimen for testing.

Clinical Benefits:

  • Distinguish between patients with Inflammatory bowel disease  and Irritable bowel disease
  • Determine disease activity and risk of relapse in IBD patients,  and assess the level of mucosal healing
  • Help to identify patients with abdominal symptoms who may require further investigative procedures

Test Kit

After the practitioner has provided a request form, the patient can order their Calprotectin kit online at befunctional.com.au/store. Each test kit contains full instructions.

Specimen Requirements

Stool Sample - Home testing kit

The test kits provided contain everything required to complete the test.

Patient Preparation

  • Patients must follow their usual diet prior to collecting a stool specimen
  • The stool specimen must be collected in the morning, where possible. Otherwise, the first bowel movement of the day.
  • If the patient is currently taking antibiotics, only proceed with this collection two weeks after the patient can completed the course of probiotic therapy.
  • Natural laxatives can be used if constipation is a problem. This includes herbal and nutritional supplements. Do not use pharmaceutical laxatives as these medications can alter test results.

Turnaround Time

The standard turnaround time for this test is 10-14 business days.

Price

$75.00

Additional $20.00 postage & handling fee applies to this test.

Payment

Prepayment is required when ordering test kit.

Code

CPT

Companion Tests:

  • Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)
  • Intestinal Permeability (IP)
  • FoodPrint Food Sensitivity Testing

The results of the Calprotectin antigen tests may be further supported by additional Australian Clinical Labs Functional Pathology tests. For example, dysbiosis can contribute to problems with digestive transit time and digestion of fats. It can also indicate if there may be issues with immunity and mental health.  A Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) may be useful in this instance to assess the presence of dysbiosis and irregularities with other gut biomarkers.

The Intestinal Permeability (IP) test may also be a useful adjunct to the Calprotectin.  Increased permeability of the endothelial lining of the gut may contribute to or be caused by poor digestive function.  Combining the Calprotectin and the IP tests will provide a comprehensive overview of gut function and alert the practitioner to potential aetiology if IBS is suspected.

Food sensitivities will also contribute to digestive symptoms such as bloating, burping, flatulence, pain and deviation in normal bowel motions.  The IgG Food Sensitivity Profile is a blood test which screens for IgG antibodies to a panel of foods.  This test is recommended with the Calprotectin when food sensitivity may be a stimulating factor in IBS.

Kit Added To Cart

    Total: $0
    continue shopping CHECKOUT

    Terms and Conditions of Service

    It is your responsibility to ensure you carefully follow all steps provided to ensure the health and safety of the couriers, postage workers, specimen reception and laboratory workers.

    There is no rebate offered through the Medicare Benefits Scheme for the kits available on the Australian Clinical Labs shopping cart. Some private health insurance companies may offer rebates, check with your health insurance provider for further details.

    You are responsible for selection the correct test through the online shopping portal, if you are unsure, confirm with your referring practitioner. If your kit arrives through the mail damaged, contact us immediately for a replacement – do not use or send back this kit.

    Australian Clinical Labs does issue refunds to unused tests for up to 6 months from purchase date, a cancellation fee of $30 applies to all kits. We do not issue refunds for kits purchased over 6 months prior to the refund request.

    All kits to be returned are to have the referral form included with the samples. Without this form, there will be no patient allocated to the results and the test will take longer to process.