Stool sample

[Poppi2015]

Has anyone been asked to provide a stool sample which tests levels of kalprotein in their stools.

[Chefboy2478]

Yes i have just done a Calprotectin stool test. Got the results this week all normal so don't worry too much.

[Poppi2015 in reply to Chefboy2478]

I had the results back, but he said a normal level is between 0-60 and mine was 1297. Now I wasn’t aware the sample had to be kept in the fridge. It was also in my moms bag for a day n half. Just wondering if this can affect the levels.

I have lots of mucus in my stools when I look.

[Phagus in reply to Poppi2015]

I had my level of calprotectin initially at 647 but I was made to do another test after two months which now showed the level to be 72. According to my doctor, the first exams showed that I had infection which could have elevated the initial cal protectin and besides I wasn’t showing any symptoms such as blood in stool or losing weight or anaemia. I will advise that you have the test done again a couple of weeks if none of the symptoms I stated is experienced.

[Owlsbabe63]

No I’ve not been asked once for a sample

[Hidden]

Yes. It is a direct measure of inflammation in the bowel. High levels (depends upon lab ranges but above 120 at the one i was tested at) show you have gut inflammation. Could be indicative of Crohns or UC. Could also indicate high levels of pathogenic bacteria which you’ll need to get rid of.

[Poppi2015]

Would the fact that I never kept it in the fridge once I’d done it, also not dropping it into the drs for 2 days.

[xjrs in reply to Poppi2015]

Please ask your GP this question. If it doubt it might be best to repeat the test. The calprotectin test does check your levels of inflammation but this doesn't necessarily mean you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD / Chrons / Colitis). It is just a marker as to whether further investigation is needed. My calprotecin was elevated and the further investigation still diagnosed me with IBS. Statistically more people will come back with an IBS diagnosis than anything else even with elevated calprotectin levels.

[Poppi2015]

Thank you. I’m just so worried as I’ve only been like this since starting the contraceptive pill.