Download Faecal Calprotectin Patient Leaflet

Faecal Calprotectin – a guide for patients and carers
This information brochure is intended to provide you with information about the
faecal calprotectin test. It is not expected to cover every possible detail, if you have
any questions, please contact us at the telephone numbers provided at the end of
the brochure.
Important information:
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You will be given a test request form by your GP and a container for your
sample.
Please complete the request form and fill the container with a sample of your
stool (poo). Make sure you seal the container tightly.
At your earliest convenience you may either return the completed form and
the container with the sample to your GP.
Alternatively, you can return the completed form and the container with the
sample directly to the laboratory at St George’s Hospital. The laboratory is
located in the Pathology Department, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London
SW17 0QT.
The test results will be sent directly to your GP within five days. Your GP will
then contact you with the results.
it is preferable to stop taking any medicines belonging to a class of
medicines called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) i.e. lansoprazole,
omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole and rebeprazole two weeks before
the test.
What is a Faecal Calprotectin?
Calprotectin is a protein which is secreted by the gut which suffers from an
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Such diseases include infectious colitis, ulcerative
colitis and Crohn’s disease. The presence of calprotectin in faeces is a sign that the
patient has an increased risk of having one or other of these diseases.
Why do I need a Faecal Calprotectin Test?
You have discussed with your GP symptoms commonly known as Vague Abdominal
Symptoms (VAS). There are many causes of these symptoms and it is important to
identify what is the cause in your case. Testing for calprotectin will help identify if
your symptoms are caused by IBD or something else, such as irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS). This will help provide appropriate treatment.
What Happens if I Test Positive for Calprotectin?
If you test positive for the presence of calprotectin, it may indicate the presence of
bowel inflammation that may not be Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Your GP will arrange
for you to have further tests at the hospital to identify the exact nature of your
problem and work with the consultant gastroenterologist at the hospital and yourself
to manage your condition effectively.
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What Happens if I Test Negative for Calprotectin?
If there is no calprotectin detected in your faeces it is likely you will suffer from IBS or
some other condition such as gluten allergy (coeliac disease). Your GP will discuss
with you how best to manage your condition. Further tests or hospital visits will be
unlikely.
Is the Test Accurate?
No diagnostic test is 100% accurate. The test may occasionally produce false
positive results, that is the test indicates IBD where none is present. This is
particularly the case if you have been taking omeprazole which increases the
chances of a false positive.
What are the risks of having the Test?
The test is non-invasive and so there are no risks associated with the test.
Are there any alternatives?
A colonoscopy is an alternative test. This involves the insertion of a small tube with a
camera into the patient’s back passage. It is an invasive test which requires sedation
of the patient. After the test, the patient must be escorted home and cannot drive or
operate any machinery (even boiling water in a kettle or boiling an egg can be
dangerous) for 24 hours afterwards. For this reason, the faecal calprotectin test is
preferred as a first line diagnosis of VAS.
Is there anything I need to do before the test?
(Other than stay off omeprazole, is there anything?)
How long will the test take?
The laboratory will return the results of your test to your GP within 5 days of the
sample being delivered.
When will I know the results?
Your GP will contact you with the results.
Your questions and comments:
If you have any further questions, please ask your GP.
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