The calprotectin test measures the level of calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells, in a stool sample. It is primarily used as a non-invasive biomarker to detect inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Doctors commonly order this test to help differentiate between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Elevated levels typically indicate active intestinal inflammation, guiding decisions for further diagnostic procedures like colonoscopies. It is a quick, safe, and effective tool for monitoring disease activity and treatment response in patients with known bowel disorders.