Fecal Calprotectin Test
A fecal calprotectin test is a way of checking for certain gastrointestinal diseases. A healthcare provider tests a sample of your poop for levels of a protein called calprotectin. This protein is a sign of inflammation. If you have high levels of it in your poop, it suggests you have inflammation in your intestines.
What Is a Fecal Calprotectin Test?
A fecal calprotectin test is a stool test that measures levels of a protein called calprotectin in your poop. Calprotectin is a sign of inflammation inside your intestines. If your stool calprotectin levels are high, it could mean you have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Why would I need a fecal calprotectin test?
Your healthcare provider might suggest this test if you have ongoing symptoms, like stomach pain and diarrhea, and they don’t know why. Many short-term things can cause these symptoms. But the list of long-term causes is smaller. Testing for inflammation can help suggest or rule out certain causes.
This test is simple and noninvasive. So, it works well as a screening test for inflammation. In some cases, it may even help you avoid a colonoscopy. If it turns out you do have an inflammatory bowel disease, your provider may use this same test to make sure your treatment is working as it should be.
How does a fecal calprotectin test work?
You’ll provide a small stool sample. A lab will test it for calprotectin and measure how much is in your poop. The higher the level, the more inflammation you likely have. Calprotectin is made by immune cells during inflammation. When it’s inside your intestines, it leaves your body through your poop.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell your provider about any medications or supplements you take. Some drugs — like NSAIDs or PPIs — can affect your test results. Your provider might ask you to stop certain medications before the test.
What happens during the test?
You’ll collect your own stool sample using a kit from your provider. The kit includes instructions, materials to help you collect your sample and a container to put it in. It’s important to collect the sample before it reaches the toilet, so it doesn’t mix with anything. You’ll mail or return it as soon as possible.
What are the risks and benefits of the fecal calprotectin test?
This test is safe and easy. There are no side effects. It’s more accurate than a blood test and may help you avoid a colonoscopy. But it doesn’t give a final diagnosis. So, you might need more testing after it.
When will I get my test results, and what will they show?
Results usually take a few days, depending on the lab. You’ll get the results from your provider or directly from the lab. Your provider will explain what the results mean and what comes next.
Calprotectin is measured in micrograms (mcg) of calprotectin per milligram (mg) of stool. Your report will show a number and say if it’s normal, moderately high or very high. Normal ranges vary by age.
What do these results mean?
Very high fecal calprotectin levels suggest inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Food poisoning can also cause very high levels. But it usually goes away quickly.
Moderately high levels could be a sign of:
- A severe infection, like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
- Autoimmune enteropathy
- Cancer in your stomach, small intestine or large intestine
- Celiac disease
- Diverticulitis
- Microscopic colitis
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Transplant rejection/graft vs. host disease
Normal levels mean it’s probably not inflammation that’s causing your symptoms. It could suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes similar symptoms to IBD, but without inflammation.
What happens next?
Your provider will decide if you need more tests. If your levels are high, you might need a colonoscopy or biopsy to find the exact cause. If your levels are normal, they may diagnose IBS based on your symptoms. If you have IBD, your provider might repeat this test over time to see if your treatment is working.
When should I talk to my provider about this test?
Talk to your provider if you’ve had digestive symptoms for more than a few weeks. These include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Blood or mucus in your poop
- Chronic diarrhea
- Feeling like you have to poop suddenly and urgently
- Feeling like you always need to poop, even when you don’t
- Unintended weight loss
If you’re in treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and you feel like your symptoms are starting to come back, you may be able to use this test to predict a flare-up. Ask your provider about another test.
References
- Bjarnason I. The Use of Fecal Calprotectin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5390326/). Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2017 Jan;13(1):53-56. Accessed 2/19/2026.
- Bryce C, Bucaj M. Fecal Calprotectin for the Evaluation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34523882/). Am Fam Physician. 2021 Sep 1;104(3):303-304. Accessed 2/19/2026.
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. What is the Fecal Calprotectin Test? (https://cdhf.ca/en/what-is-the-fecal-calprotectin-test/) Last updated 11/16/2022. Accessed 2/19/2026.
- National Library of Medicine (U.S.). Calprotectin Stool Test (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calprotectin-stool-test/). Last updated 1/9/2024. Accessed 2/19/2026.
- Pathirana WGW, Chubb SP, Gillett MJ, Vasikaran SD. Faecal Calprotectin (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6370282/). Clin Biochem Rev. 2018 Aug;39(3):77-90. Accessed 2/19/2026.
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