Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Faeces (universal container)

Minimum volume required

1 - 5 g

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

Random faecal sample (any time of day, no dietary restrictions required)

Sample viability

Turnaround time

14 days

Reference range

Adults (≥16 years): <100 µg/g: Not indicative of GI Inflammation. Consider IBS or alternative diagnoses. 100 – 250 µg/g: Indeterminate. Suggest repeating in 2 – 4 weeks if clinical concern remains or relevant family history. NSAIDs/PPIs should be stopped 2 weeks prior to sample collection. If repeat result also indeterminate suggest referral. >250 µg/g: Indicative of GI inflammation, suggest referral. Paediatrics (<16 years): <50 µg/g: Not indicative of GI Inflammation 50 – 150 µg/g: No further action needed. Consider repeat if symptoms worsen. 151 – 250 µg/g: Indeterminate. Suggest repeating in 4 weeks if clinical concern remains or relevant family history. NSAIDs/PPIs should be stopped 2 weeks prior to sample collection. If repeat result also indeterminate suggest referral. >250 µg/g: Indicative of GI inflammation, although false positives can occur in patients with high BMI. Suggest referral. (Source: locally derived)

Clinical guidance

Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about faecal calprotectin. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/calprotectin

Notes