Fecal calprotectin

Fecal calprotectin is a protein found in specific white blood cells called neutrophils. When there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, these neutrophils migrate to the site of inflammation and release calprotectin. Therefore, elevated levels of calprotectin in stool are a reliable indicator of intestinal inflammation. This test is non-invasive and helps differentiate between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is a valuable tool for monitoring disease activity and assessing treatment effectiveness in individuals with known IBD.