What is a Fecal Cal?
A Fecal Cal or Fecal Calprotectin is a stool test that is used to detect inflammation in the intestine. Calprotectin is a protein found mostly in neutrophils, one of the types of white blood cells responsible for inflammation. It helps control the spread of bacteria and fungi. As neutrophils collect at the site of inflammation in the intestine, calprotectin is released into the stool: the higher the concentration of calprotectin, the more inflammation present. Healthy people have low levels of calprotectin in their stool but someone with IBD has much higher levels.
Why is a Fecal Cal ordered?
A Fecal Cal is ordered:
- To distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-inflammatory disorders such as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- To detect IBD disease activity and severity
- To help decide whether or not a colonoscopy is needed
Fecal Cal is a safe and non-invasive test to know in advance when a flare in IBD is on its way.
Watch the "Fecal Calprotectin: The Inside Story on Inflammation" video on YouTube.
