- Allergy self-tests
- Blood group self-tests
- Check-up self-tests
- Cholesterol Self-test
- Diabetes Self-test
- Gout Self-Test
- Iron Deficiency Self-test
- Kidney Function Test (Albumine)
- Liver and Kidney Function Combination Test
- Liver Function Test (ALT & AST)
- Preventis SmarTest Ferritin Home
- Preventis SmarTest Vitamin D test
- Prostate PSA Self-Test
- Thyroid Function Self-test
- Vitamine D Self-test
- Vivoo – Hydration Test (30 pieces)
- Vivoo – Ketone Test (30 pieces)
- Vivoo – Protein test (30 pieces)
- Vivoo – Sodium Test 30 (pieces)
- Vivoo Urine Test (9-in-1 parameters)
- Vivoo Urine Test (9-in-1 parameters) (4 pieces)
- Vivoo Urine Test (9-in-1 parameters) (12 pieces)
- Vivoo – Vitamin C Test (30 pieces)
- Drug Self-Tests
- Fertility self-tests
- Gut health self-tests
- Infectious disease self-tests
- STD self-tests
What is calprotectin? Explanation of function and importance
Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells that plays an important role in inflammatory processes in the body. When inflammation occurs in the intestines, calprotectin is released and can be detected in the stools. As a result, calprotectin is often used as an inflammatory marker in detecting conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
What does calprotectin do in the body?
Calprotectin has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial function. This protein binds to zinc and calcium, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. When the body perceives an infection or inflammation, the amount of calprotectin increases to fight the infection.
Because calprotectin is mainly found in the intestines during inflammation, it is a useful marker to measure in people with chronic intestinal problems.
Why is calprotectin measured?
Measuring calprotectin in stool helps doctors identify inflammatory bowel disease and distinguishes functional bowel disease (such as PDS) from serious conditions (such as IBD).
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Calprotectin Test19.99 €
Difference between functional and organic bowel disease
- Low calprotectin levels → no inflammation, possible Irritable bowel syndrome (PDS)
- Elevated calprotectin levels → active inflammation, possibly Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Reasons to measure calprotectin
- Unexplained abdominal pain, diarrhoea or weight loss
- Suspected symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Monitoring patients with chronic intestinal diseases
- Evaluation of medication efficacy in Crohn’s or colitis
How is calprotectin tested?
The amount of calprotectin in the body is measured through a stool test. This can be done in two ways:
1. Calprotectin test in the laboratory
- Comprehensive and detailed measurement
- Accurate calprotectin values in micrograms per gram of stool
- Performed by a doctor or specialist
2. Calprotectin self-test for home use
- Quick and easy to carry out yourself
- Indicates elevated values within minutes
- Useful for initial screening without a doctor’s visit
Both tests help assess whether further medical examination is needed.
What do elevated calprotectin levels mean?
An elevated calprotectin level in stool indicates active inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The degree of elevation can indicate several causes:
- Slightly elevated (50-100 µg/g) → Possible intestinal irritation, such as PDS or food intolerance
- Moderately elevated (100-250 µg/g) → Possible mild inflammation, repeat test recommended
- Highly elevated (>250 µg/g) → Likely chronic intestinal disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis
A repeat test or additional examination by a doctor is recommended in case of elevated values.
What are the causes of elevated calprotectin?
Several conditions and factors can increase calprotectin levels in stools, including:
- Chronic bowel disease (IBD) → Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- Intestinal infections → bacterial or viral infections
- Food intolerances → lactose intolerance or celiac disease
- NSAID use → long-term use of ibuprofen or naproxen
- Gastrointestinal infections → by bacteria such as Clostridium difficile
In case of elevated calprotectin levels, consulting a doctor is essential to identify the underlying cause.
Frequently asked questions about calprotectin
Is calprotectin the same as intestinal inflammation?
No, calprotectin is an indicator of inflammation, but it does not always mean serious disease. A doctor can do additional tests.
Can diet affect calprotectin?
Yes, certain foods and medications, such as NSAIDs and spicy foods, can temporarily cause a slight increase in calprotectin.
How reliable is a calprotectin test?
A calprotectin test has high reliability, and the self-test gives a good first indication of elevated values.
Should I be concerned with elevated calprotectin?
Not always. Slight elevations may be temporary, but if symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Can calprotectin drop again?
Yes, with proper treatment and dietary measures, calprotectin levels can drop, especially if the cause is addressed.
