Test Code CALPR Calprotectin, Feces
Reporting Name
Calprotectin, FUseful For
Evaluation of patients suspected of having a gastrointestinal inflammatory process
Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), when used in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities, including endoscopy, histology, and imaging
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
FecalShipping Instructions
Preferred shipping temperature is frozen. Refrigerated or thawed specimens received more than 72 hours postcollection 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 and send frozen (preferred).
Additional Information:
1. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Specimen 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 |
Reference Values
≤50.0 mcg/g (Normal)
50.1-120.0 mcg/g (Borderline)
≥120.1 mcg/g (Abnormal)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.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 |
Clinical Reference
1. Gisbert JP, McNicholl AG, Golmollon F: Questions and answers on the role of faecal calprotectin as a biological marker in inflammatory bowel disease. Digest Liver Dis. 2009;41:56-66
2. Campeotto F, Butel MJ, Kalach N, et al: High faecal calprotectin concentrations in newborn infants. Arch Dis Child-Fetal. 2004;89:F353-F355
3. Dabritz J, Musci J, Foell D: Diagnostic utility of faecal biomarkers in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroentero. 2014;20(2):363-375
4. Fagerberg, UL, Loof L, Merzoug RD, et al: Fecal calprotectin levels in healthy children studied with an improved assay. J Pediatr Gastr Nutr. 2003;37:438-472
5. Sherwood RA, Walsham NE, Bjarnason I: Gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal function. In: Rifai N, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:1398-1420
Method Description
The QUANTA Lite Calprotectin assay is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 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 colored 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.(Packet insert: QUANTA Lite Calprotectin ELISA kit. INOVA Diagnostics; 2016)
Analytic Time
3 daysReject Due To
Specimens collected from diapers | Reject |
Method Name
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)