Calprotectin (Fecal)

The calprotectin stool test is used to detect inflammation in the intestines. It helps distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), two conditions that share similar symptoms but differ significantly in their underlying causes.

🔍 What is a normal calprotectin level for IBS?

• 10 to 50 μg/g of stool: Normal range for individuals without significant inflammation.
• > 600 μg/g: Indicates acute inflammation typically seen in IBD. The threshold for an IBD diagnosis is often above 100–200 μg/g. However, the exact thresholds for distinguishing normal from pathological fecal calprotectin levels are still debated.

IBD vs IBS: Both IBD and IBS are chronic conditions that can affect both adults and children. They cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps. However, only IBD is characterized by inflammation:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of digestive diseases that causes inflammation of the intestinal lining, which can lead to symptoms like watery or bloody diarrhea. The inflammation may come and go, but over time, it can cause long-term damage to the intestines. IBD is thought to have multiple causes, including autoimmune disorders and genetic factors.

The main types of IBD include:

• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis