Faecal calprotectin is a faeces based test. Calprotectin is a chemical released into the faeces from white blood cells within the lining of the intestines. The white blood cells gather within the intestinal lining for many reasons including infection (such as food poisoning) and inflammatory bowel disease. The more white blood cells, the higher the calprotectin reading. If there are no or few white blood cells present, the faecal calprotectin should be within the normal range. Here are a few tips to ensure your next calprotectin test is accurate.
1. Shorter interval between the bowel movement and the time to the laboratory produces the best results. Morning samples tend to be better because you can deliver the sample to the lab on the same day.
2. Unless specified by your doctor, it is best to carry on with normal activities, diet and medications prior the taking the sample. 3. The test report may take up to 10-14 days to come back. Please be patient.