Turbocharging calprotectin testing for various intestinal inflammatory conditions

Calprotectin is a protein biomarker present in faeces when intestinal inflammation occurs. Testing for faecal calprotectin concentrations can help clinicians distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and non-inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Calprotectin is also of value in the ongoing assessment of known IBD patients. As the biomarker concentration reflects mucosal healing or potential relapse, it helps to monitor disease activity to manage therapy more effectively. The symptoms of functional disorders such as IBS and organic IBD can be very similar in presentation but are two very different medical conditions. Historically, clinical gastroenterologists have had to use invasive colonoscopy to diagnose these illnesses.

Gastrointestinal guideline

In 2013, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published Diagnostic Guideline 11 (DG11; Faecal calprotectin diagnostic tests for inflammatory diseases of the bowel). This recommends the use of faecal calprotectin analysis, as a first-line test, in patients presenting with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms indicative of IBS or IBD. Many people with IBS have unnecessary invasive investigations before their condition is diagnosed. Using faecal calprotectin testing means that IBS patients can avoid the need for colonoscopy and be screened out and diagnosed without undergoing these potentially risky procedures. This prevents patient stress, shortens waiting lists and cuts costs.