FECAL CALPROTECTIN

Fecal Calprotectin

Test Overview

What is a Fecal Calprotectin Test?

A fecal calprotectin test is a non-invasive laboratory assessment that measures the amount of calprotectin, a protein found in the stool. Calprotectin is released by certain white blood cells known as neutrophils when there is inflammation occurring in the intestines. By detecting elevated levels of calprotectin in the stool, this calprotectin stool test can distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The top Fecal Calprotectin Test are available in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Noida, Chennai.

Understanding fecal calprotectin is crucial as it plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring individuals with IBD. When a person with IBD has low or fecal calprotectin test normal range in their stool, it indicates that their current treatment is controlling the inflammation effectively. However, increased calprotectin levels may suggest an exacerbation of IBD symptoms. Compared to invasive procedures like colonoscopy, this calprotectin stool test provides an objective, non-invasive method to monitor illness activity and guide treatment decisions. Doctors often recommend this fecal calprotectin test list for individuals showing symptoms of IBD or for those already diagnosed with the condition.

What is the Fecal Calprotectin Test Price?

When determining the fecal calprotectin test cost, several factors contribute to the overall price. Here are key elements to consider when examining the stool calprotectin test cost:

• Test Demand: The demand for the fecal calprotectin test can influence its price. You might find slightly elevated fecal calprotectin test costs in metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad where occurrences of inflammatory bowel diseases may be higher compared to other areas.
• Comprehensive Inclusions: The fecal calprotectin test price usually includes various charges such as laboratory fees, sample collection charges, and any applicable professional fees. Understanding these charges included in the fecal calprotectin test list can ensure transparency and help avoid any unexpected expenses.
• Laboratory Quality: The quality of the lab conducting the fecal calprotectin test plays a significant role in its price. Laboratories with top-notch equipment and stringent quality control procedures might charge more for a fecal calprotectin test report. It's always wise to opt for a certified laboratory renowned for its accuracy and reliability.
• Discounts and Promotions: Many healthcare centres often provide discounts or packages for diagnostic tests like the calprotectin stool test, which can considerably bring down your overall expenditure. These offerings may also include information about the fecal calprotectin test normal range, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of your test results.

Apollo 24|7 maintains a competitive stool calprotectin test cost while delivering exceptional service quality. Before proceeding with a calprotectin stool test, you should check the fecal calprotectin test price across cities.

What is the Purpose of Fecal Calprotectin Test?

The fecal calprotectin test is a vital tool in the quest for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of digestive disorders. Here's why this calprotectin stool test is essential:

• Diagnosis Differentiation: The fecal calprotectin test helps distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The differentiation is crucial since the former involves inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining while IBS is a functional disorder without inflammation.
• Monitoring Disease Activity: For patients already diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, the fecal calprotectin test is instrumental in monitoring disease activity and responsiveness to treatment. Any rise and fall in calprotectin levels correspond with intestinal inflammation, indicating if the disease is active or in remission.
• Predicting Relapse: The calprotectin stool test plays a significant role in predicting relapse and post-operative recurrence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. An elevated calprotectin level may act as a warning sign for an impending flare-up.
• Assisting Further Testing: In cases where IBD is suspected, the calprotectin stool test can ascertain if invasive testing such as a colonoscopy is needed. A normal calprotectin level may reduce the likelihood of IBD, potentially avoiding an unnecessary colonoscopy.

Who Should Get a Fecal Calprotectin Test Done?

Knowing who should consider undergoing a fecal calprotectin test can significantly aid in maintaining optimal gut health and managing any potential issues early on. Here are different types of individuals who should consider getting this calprotectin stool test done:

• Persistent Symptoms: Patients experiencing persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea should consider getting a fecal calprotectin test done. The test helps investigate the root cause of these symptoms and differentiate between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-inflammatory disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Suspected IBD: If a patient is suspected of having IBD, the calprotectin stool test can help determine if further invasive testing, such as a colonoscopy, is needed.
• Diagnosed IBD Patients: Those who have already been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease should regularly undergo the fecal calprotectin test. This helps to monitor the disease activity and severity during the treatment process.
• IBS-like Symptoms: Patients with symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome should consider getting a calprotectin stool test. The test can help rule out IBD, which requires a different course of treatment.
• Other Inflammatory Conditions: Patients with other conditions that can cause intestinal inflammation, such as bacterial infections or liver disease, should also consider taking the fecal calprotectin test to manage their condition better.

Components of a Fecal Calprotectin Test

The fecal calprotectin test list is designed to detect the presence of calprotectin, a protein found in neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell. Calprotectin is released into the intestines when there is inflammation, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. The fecal calprotectin purpose is to provide valuable clinical information that aids in the early detection, management, and monitoring of inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Understanding a Fecal Calprotectin Test Report

Below are the low, high and fecal calprotectin normal range values, measured by this diagnostic test:

Preparation and Procedure for a Fecal Calprotectin Test

Before undergoing a fecal calprotectin test, it's essential to understand the preparation and procedure involved. This ensures the accuracy of the results and helps you in fecal calprotectin preparation.

How is the Fecal Calprotectin Test Done?

When it comes to the calprotectin stool test, understanding the procedure can help alleviate any apprehension. Here are the various steps involved in the fecal calprotectin test preparation:

• Wear disposable gloves to prevent hand contamination.
• Use the container provided by your doctor or the lab to collect a small amount of stool (at least 1 inch in diameter). Sit on the toilet normally and hold the container near your anus to capture the sample.
• Alternatively, you can cover the toilet bowl with plastic wrap or place a clean container in the toilet to collect the sample, and then transfer it to the provided container.
• Close the container tightly and shake it gently to mix the sample.
• After collection, the stool sample is to be sent to a laboratory.
• Here, lab technicians utilise a method called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure calprotectin levels in the stool.
• The turnaround time for a fecal calprotectin test report can vary depending on the lab's workload and operational hours but generally, results are made available within 3 days.
• The fecal calprotectin test list results can therefore differentiate between inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
• Doctors often rely on this fecal calprotectin procedure to determine whether an endoscopy is required if an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is suspected and to monitor disease activity in patients already diagnosed with IBD.
• Unlike more invasive procedures like colonoscopies, fecal calprotectin testing is a non-invasive way to monitor intestinal inflammation.

Is Fasting Required for a Fecal Calprotectin Test?

Knowing whether fasting is required before taking a calprotectin stool test can ensure accurate results. Let's delve into this aspect:

• It's important to note that fasting isn't required for a fecal calprotectin test.
• However, it's advisable to avoid certain substances such as alcohol, nicotine-containing products, and certain medications like anti-inflammatory drugs before the test. These substances can interfere with the fecal calprotectin test list result.

What Time of the Day Should I Undergo a Fecal Calprotectin Test?

Determining the best time to undergo a fecal calprotectin test can significantly enhance the accuracy of your results. Here's a guide on when you should ideally schedule this calprotectin stool test:

• The stool sample for the fecal calprotectin test should ideally be collected from the first bowel action of the day. The reason is that fecal calprotectin levels increase with an increasing interval between bowel movements.
• Therefore, to get the most accurate result, it's recommended to collect the stool sample from the first bowel movement of the day.

How Frequently Should I Undergo a Fecal Calprotectin Test?

The frequency with which you should undergo a fecal calprotectin test hinges on your unique health status and any underlying conditions you might have. Here's some more detail on when and why this calprotectin stool test may be recommended:

• If there is a suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and endoscopy with biopsy is being considered, a fecal calprotectin test can help determine if such invasive testing is necessary.
• For individuals already diagnosed with IBD, fecal calprotectin levels can be used to monitor disease activity and predict relapse. In such cases, a fecal calprotectin test may be recommended every 3-6 months.
• During IBD flare-ups, fecal calprotectin may be tested more frequently, such as every 4-8 weeks, to assess response to treatment.
• For those in IBD remission, fecal calprotectin can be tested every 6-12 months to detect subclinical inflammation and predict relapse.
• The calprotectin stool test is also helpful in differentiating between IBD and non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Elevated fecal calprotectin levels are often an indication of IBD.

Remember, your doctor will provide the most accurate advice based on your personal health situation.

Booking Fecal Calprotectin Test Online & Checking Reports

Navigating through the process of booking a fecal calprotectin test online on Apollo 24|7 and understanding how to retrieve your fecal calprotectin test report can be simplified.

What are the Steps to Schedule a Fecal Calprotectin Test on Apollo 24|7?

Scheduling and booking a fecal calprotectin test on Apollo 24|7 is an effortless process, designed for your convenience. Here are the steps:

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 Website or App: Begin by either visiting the official Apollo 24|7 website or downloading their app on your smartphone for easy access.
• Search for the Test: Once you're on the homepage, find the search box, usually located at the top of the page. Type in "fecal calprotectin test" or "calprotectin stool test". This will lead you to a dedicated page for this specific calprotectin stool test.
• Choose a Suitable Time and Place: On the fecal calprotectin test page, select a time slot and location that best suits your schedule for stool sample collection. You'll also be able to view the fecal calprotectin test cost here.
• Finalise Your Booking: After settling on a convenient time and spot, continue to confirm your booking by providing all necessary details.
• Wait for Confirmation: After successfully scheduling your fecal calprotectin test, wait for a confirmation message from Apollo 24|7. This final step verifies that your booking was successful.

How Do I Access My Fecal Calprotectin Test Results Online On Apollo 24|7?

Once you've undergone the calprotectin stool test, it's important to know how to access your results. Apollo 24|7 has made this process uncomplicated with their user-friendly online platform. To retrieve and review your fecal calprotectin test report from the comfort of your home, follow these steps:

• Wait for Notification: Upon the completion of your fecal calprotectin test, Apollo 24|7 will alert you when your results are ready for viewing.
• Sign in to Your Account: Using your login information, sign into your account on the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile app.
• Navigate to the Reports Section: After logging in, locate and click on the 'Reports' section. This is where all your test reports, including the fecal calprotectin test report, are stored.
• Select Your Test: Scroll through your saved reports and select the fecal calprotectin report.
• Download Report: Each report comes with an option to download. Use this feature to save a copy of your fecal calprotectin test report for future reference or consultations.