Calprotectin, Stool
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Stool
Requires fasting: No
Sample collection required at Quest Diagnostics location
Details
This test may be recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of bowel inflammation, such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and unexplained fatigue.
- Calprotectin, Stool
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Calprotectin, Stool - This test measures the level of calprotectin, a protein found in white blood cells, in your stool. High levels of calprotectin indicate inflammation in the intestines, which can help diagnose conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as distinguish these conditions from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What patients is this test right for?
This test may be recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of bowel inflammation, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue
What type of sample is required for this test?
3 grams of solid stool. The sample should be collected in a Quest standard stool container without preservative or a clean, leak-proof plastic screw-cap container without preservative.
Test Resources
For more information, consult your healthcare provider or visit reputable medical websites.
2–5 business days
<50 mcg/g Normal
50-120 mcg/g Borderline
>120 mcg/g Elevated
50-120 mcg/g Borderline
>120 mcg/g Elevated
Collection Options with Fullscript
Sample collection requires a test kit that can be picked up at a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics collection guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 3 grams solid stool collected in a Quest standard stool container without preservative or a clean, leak-proof plastic screw-cap container without preservative
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: NA
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Clean, leak-proof, screw-cap plastic container
- Transport Temperature: Frozen
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 6 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: -20° C: 28 days, -70° C: 1 year
- Reject Criteria:
- Stool specimen collected in a container with fixative or preservative • Stool specimen collected during surgical procedure • Other specimen rather than raw stool sample
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
