The sample needed for the analysis is faeces that will have to be delivered in a sterile bottle purchased at the pharmacy. The patient should not take oily laxatives, barium, magnesium or bismuth salts, at least 72 hours before taking the sample.
For the sampling you can be guided by the following scheme:
- Sit upside down to deposit the sample in the toilet.
- Unscrew the sample cup.
- Suck in some sample.
- Deliver the sample as soon as possible. If it cannot be delivered immediately, keep it at 2-8ºC, 5 days maximum.
The results are delivered after 24-72 hours.
Fecal calprotectin is a biomarker of intestinal inflammation. It allows to differentiate inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome, presenting a better correlation with the degree of inflammation than clinical indices and serological markers. Furthermore, it is useful in predicting mucosal healing and the risk of recurrence.
