What Is Calprotectin?

What it is

Calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells in the gut during inflammation.

Why it matters

Fecal calprotectin distinguishes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from functional disorders (IBS).

Specimen

Stool

Interpretation

Elevated = gut inflammation (supports IBD over IBS).

Limitations

Supports, not diagnoses; endoscopy is confirmatory.

Related test: Calprotectin Rapid Test — specimen: Feces