There are many health diseases that affect the digestive system, and the methods of diagnosis differ depending on the health of the digestive system. One of the possible analyses for diagnosing these problems is the Calprotectin test. What is it and what does it reveal? Learn more in the article.
What is the Calprotectin?
Calprotectin is a protein secreted by white blood cells, and when inflammation occurs in the colon or small intestine, the presence of white blood cells increases in the lining layer and increases the secretion of this protein.
When To Get Tested?
This test is requested by the specialist doctor in the event that there are some symptoms that may indicate the presence of inflammation in the digestive system, including:
Severe diarrhea, watery or bloody
Suffering from abdominal pain and cramps
Fever (High Temperature)
Unexplained weight loss
What does a Calprotectin test reveal?
The calprotectin test helps differentiate between organic bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome in those with chronic symptoms.
This examination is of particular importance in the follow-up of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as monitoring the level of inflammation, determining the extent of response to treatment, and following up on the return of inflammation after resection operations.
How is Calprotectin test performed?
A stool sample is taken in a clean laboratory container, and the instructions of the specialized laboratory specialist are followed
What does a high level of Calprotectin indicate?
An elevated calprotectin level indicates the possibility of inflammation, which usually requires an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. The possibility of inflammation increases with an increase in the calprotectin level above normal.
It should be noted that calprotectin rises for many reasons, such as:
Chronic bowel infections such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Tuberculosis of the intestine
As well as in gastroenteritis and other causes of inflammation of the lining of the intestine, and therefore it does not specify a specific diagnosis in itself. It is wrong to use it in cases of acute gastroenteritis to determine the need for endoscopy, as it is expected that calprotectin will rise, and gastroenteritis is in its nature causing symptoms Transient and often for a short period of 3-7 days
So, if you suffer from digestive problems, book your appointment now with our specialist doctors
Here in the Integrated Gut Center affiliated with Intermed clinics, it includes the best-specialized consultants to help you maintain your health by providing the best treatment services using the latest medical technologies used in diagnosing all health problems of the digestive system in all stages of treatment, starting from assessment and accurate diagnosis until the post-treatment stage. To provide optimal and comprehensive care to our patients
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You can consult our doctors and book the nearest appointment by contacting us via our unified number:
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