Just a Question

[Misspomfrey]

Just out of interest, has anyone had a Calprotectin Test? and if so, what were the results

[Luisa22]

Yes I had a Calprotectin test but I wasn't given any "numbers". It was combined with a Lactoferrin test and a FIT test. Also a blood test at the same time.

The issue was that was done during lockdown 2020, so I was very lucky to get the testing done by my doctor who said I would be referred for colonoscopy and further testing if ANY red flags showed in any of my tests. They didn't. It was very good of him under those awful circumstances, and very thorough. That was NHS. I have no complaints!

I was just told by my doctor over the phone about 10 days later that my Calprotectin test was within normal parameters , no red flags, as were all the other tests. But no details.

[Misspomfrey in reply to Luisa22]

Right.. I'm wondering if I may have had one too at the same time as I had my other tests, like what you had really. The doctor didn't really go into detail about what each of the tests might reveal. All was normal anyway.Thank you, I was just wondering if the Calprotectin was part of the usual testing.

[Luisa22 in reply to Misspomfrey]

I am not totally sure if Calprotectin is always a part of any standard stool testing or not. I know the NHS are big on the "FIT" test, so it is possible that's what you were given. That just tests for any hidden blood.

My doctor was quite thorough (even in lockdown!) possibly because of my age (late 60s then) and my reporting a sudden change in bowel habits, which had actually been going on for about 3 months before I got tested.

So he did mention the three things that the Lab would test for (Calprotectin, hidden blood, and Lactoferrin) I got my results over the phone, and he just said everything was within normal parameters and no red flags.

He did say that the blood test too was all normal, and that many markers for quite a few things (pancreas, liver, systemic inflammation, etc) could be gauged from the blood results, so was happy with that. I was also tested for coeliac with the blood test, which I don't have. (I wondered why giving up gluten for the low Fodmap trial made no difference to me.)

I think in the UK, with the NHS anyway, it's rare to be told our exact numbers. It's usually a case of normal, or not.

[Misspomfrey in reply to Luisa22]

I had a coeliac test too as part of all the other tests. Well, if the Calprotectin was included which I think it might have been now, everything was normal. Thank you to all who replied and best wishes.

[violetmycat in reply to Luisa22]

I had a very bad calprotectin (600) last year when I was admitted to hospital. When on Intravenous steriods. I lost a lot of my electrolights so therefore had to have intravenous fluids. Just had bad flare up again. so I take Electrolyte drinks during these bouts. Best wishes

[Catspaws100]

I had a Calprotectin test and my numbers came back very high. I was referred to gastroenterology for a colonoscopy which showed a large polyp. This was removed at the time during the procedure.

[xjrs]

Yes. The result was 327 which was out of range - still diagnosed with IBS after colonoscopy.

[Netbet22]

I have had a few done over the years all range frm 300 to below 100 but still saying its ibs bout 5 year ago was well up up in 400 had colonoscopy came back very problematic and symptomatic ibs

[Iesgobdafydd]

I believe I had it done as part of my standard blood tests leading up to the IBS diagnosis. I don't have the result easily accessible, I could find out if you really need to know.

[Misspomfrey in reply to Iesgobdafydd]

No, don't trouble to find them. It would appear that the test is part of the usual standard tests then I think. I've probably had one. Thank you

[cyclist123]

I had a high calprotectin lab result...it was from an infection (also found in that sample) that was treated with antibiotics.

[Sarah090174]

I have had a few calprotectin tests as well as a FIT Test and bloods too. My calprotectin and FIT Test came back as abnormal so was referred to gastroenterology. I have had two colonoscopies, gastroscopy, capsular endoscopy and small bowel CT Scan too. After 17 months I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease but I also think I have a touch of IBS too. My calprotectin ranges between 300 and in April 23 this year it was 1500. I have had numerous treatments including steroids but still suffer with loose and mushy bowel movements plus they are still unpredictable and come on very urgently. I have also tried low FODMAP and gluten free plus freshly making all meals but can’t get a balance to enable me to live my life comfortably. I have also been taking expensive probiotics for 3 months and don’t think this makes much of a difference either. I am still under gastroenterology and a dietitian plus most of my diet is build up drinks everyday. I have no idea what my calprotectin levels are at the moment as it is not gold standard for doctors to test them all the time. I personally wish mine were checked a little more regularly so I know what I am dealing with and how to manage my symptoms. Hope this is helpful

[sandylo in reply to Sarah090174]

I have been having regular calprotectin tests for 18 months now since being diagnosed with proctitis and IBD the first test was 2065 the second 1020 the 3rd 600 and just gone up again to 900 the hospital are sending me another sample pot in the post. I have been on metasezelene suppositories since my colonoscopy 2 years ago my bowels were regular before that I think they have damaged my colon I wish I hadn't had it done I had to go back for a second one a month later as it had to be aborted due to the pain it put me through. I was pit on steroid suppositories for a month which made little difference. Life is not worth living now as as soon as I stand up my bowels leak I'm living on the toilet mushy poo and mucous blood

[sandylo]

I've had 4 first was 2100 2nd 1600 3rd 900 4th 1200 I am a proctitis sufferer had a terrible 2 years but last 11 weeks bowels are better after having just blood since my colonoscopies 18 months ago