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HelpTest Code LAB2519 Calprotectin, Feces
Additional Codes
CALPR
Useful For
Evaluating patients suspected of having a gastrointestinal inflammatory process
Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome, when used in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities, including endoscopy, histology, and imaging
Method Name
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Specimen Type
FecalShipping Instructions
Preferred shipping temperature is frozen. Refrigerated or thawed specimens received more than 72 hours after collection will be rejected.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz Random (T288)
Submission Container/Tube: Stool container
Specimen Volume: 5 g
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a fresh random fecal specimen, no preservative.
2. If specimen is sent refrigerate, send immediately after collection.
3. If specimen cannot be sent immediately, freeze specimen, and send frozen.
Additional Information:
1. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered, with the exception of ELASF / Pancreatic Elastase, Feces. If only a single specimen is collected, it must be split prior to transport.
2. Testing cannot be added on to a previously collected specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 g
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal | Frozen (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
On-campus collections: Tube to 99 or deliver to University Extension Hospital Room EH318
Submission Container/Tube: Stool container, Frozen
Off-campus collections:
Specimen to be stored/transported at Frozen temp.
Reject Due To
| Specimens collected from diapers | Reject |
Reference Values
<50.0 mcg/g (Normal)
50.0-120 mcg/g (Borderline)
>120 mcg/g (Abnormal)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Interpretation
Calprotectin concentrations below 50.0 mcg/g are not suggestive of an active inflammatory process within the gastrointestinal system. For patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, consider further evaluation for functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Calprotectin concentrations between 50.0 and 120 mcg/g are borderline and may represent a mild inflammatory process, such as in treated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or aspirin usage. For patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of IBD, retesting in 4 to 6 weeks may be indicated.
Calprotectin concentrations above 120 mcg/g are suggestive of an active inflammatory process within the gastrointestinal system. Additional diagnostic testing to determine the etiology of the inflammation is suggested.
Method Description
The QUANTA Lite Calprotectin Extended Range assay is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Briefly, polyclonal capture antibodies specific for human calprotectin are immobilized on a 96-well plate. Calibrators, controls, and diluted patient samples are added to the wells of the plate. If present, calprotectin will bind to the capture antibodies on the plate. After a wash step, a solution containing an enzyme-labelled antibody is added. After another wash step, a substrate solution that will change color in the presence of the enzyme is added. The absorbance of the color produced is proportional to the amount of calprotectin in the patient sample. Lastly, the control and patient results are calculated based on a curve generated from the kit calibrators.(Package insert: QUANTA Lite Calprotectin Extended Range ELISA kit. INOVA Diagnostics; 04/2019)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
Extracted feces: 7 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
83993
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CALPR | Calprotectin, F | 38445-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CALPR | Calprotectin, F | 38445-3 |
Secondary ID
63016Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnostic Testing Algorithm.
For more information see Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Algorithm.