Faecal Calprotectin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Faecal Calprotectin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Calprotectin Stool Test, FC Test |
| Sample Type | Stool (faeces) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 to 7 working days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all ages with gastrointestinal symptoms; particularly those aged 18 to 50 |
| Price | Starting at ₹3200 |
What Is a Faecal Calprotectin Test?
The faecal calprotectin test is a stool test that measures the level of calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells when inflammation is present in the intestines. Doctors order it to help distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is known as the calprotectin stool test or FC test.
What Does a Faecal Calprotectin Test Measure?
The test measures a single protein found in your stool sample. Here is what that tells us:
| Parameter | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| Faecal Calprotectin | The level of intestinal inflammation, based on the number of white blood cells (neutrophils) present in the gut lining |
When the gut's immune system is active, neutrophils move to the inflamed area and release calprotectin into the intestine. This protein then passes into the stool. A higher calprotectin level in the stool points to more active inflammation in the gut.
Why Is a Faecal Calprotectin Test Done?
This test is ordered when a person has ongoing digestive symptoms that could point to either inflammation or a functional bowel disorder.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend a calprotectin stool test if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Persistent or recurring diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Bloating and discomfort
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever alongside digestive symptoms
- Persistent watery or loose stools
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The faecal calprotectin test can help identify or rule out several conditions.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition causing similar symptoms but without inflammation
- Bacterial gut infections, including presumptive bacterial diarrhoea
- Coeliac disease (an immune reaction to gluten)
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastrointestinal infections
Faecal Calprotectin Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with IBD, this test plays an important role in long-term management. It helps doctors assess how active the inflammation is, track how well treatment is working, and predict the risk of a flare-up. In patients with IBD who appear symptom-free, a raised calprotectin level can indicate a chance of relapse within the following six months. Repeated measurements every three months are commonly recommended for monitoring during remission.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Collecting a stool sample at home is straightforward. A few simple steps before and during collection will help ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You do not need to follow any special diet before collecting your sample. If your doctor has ordered additional blood tests alongside this one, those may have their own fasting requirements. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure your sample gives accurate results:
- Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac) and proton pump inhibitors (medicines that reduce stomach acid)
- If advised by your doctor, avoid NSAIDs for two to four weeks before collecting the sample
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for 24 hours before sample collection
- Try to collect your sample from the first bowel movement of the day
Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow these steps carefully when collecting your stool sample:
- Place a clean container, potty, or plastic wrap across the toilet rim to catch the stool before it reaches the toilet water.
- Urinate before collecting the sample. Any urine or toilet water in the sample can affect the result.
- Using the small spoon attached to the container lid, scoop a small amount of stool (roughly 5 to 10 grams) into the container. Close the lid firmly.
- Write the date and time of collection on the sample container.
- Hand the sample to the collection staff, or arrange home pickup through Lupin Diagnostics.
- Samples should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may interfere with your result. Be sure to mention these to your doctor.
- Regular use of NSAIDs or aspirin, which can irritate the gut lining and raise calprotectin levels
- Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors
- Recent gastrointestinal infection, which can temporarily elevate levels
- Contamination of the sample with urine or toilet water
- Alcohol or nicotine use close to the time of collection
Understanding Your Faecal Calprotectin Test Results
Your results show a calprotectin level measured in micrograms per gram (µg/g) of stool. The table below gives general reference ranges used for adults and children above four years of age.
| Level | Range (µg/g) | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 50 | Inflammation is unlikely; symptoms may be due to a functional condition such as IBS |
| Borderline | 50 to 200 | Mild elevation; further assessment may be needed |
| High | 200 to 500 | Suggestive of active intestinal inflammation |
| Very High | Above 500 | Active IBD flare is likely; further investigation required |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some factors can affect how results are interpreted:
- Medication use: Patients taking proton pump inhibitors or NSAIDs in the 90 days before the test may show higher calprotectin levels, even without active inflammation. Your doctor will consider this when reviewing your result.
- Age: Infants and young children naturally have higher calprotectin levels due to differences in gut development. Age-specific reference ranges apply for children below five years. Adults over 65 may also show moderately raised levels of up to 100 µg/g without any underlying disease.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support good gut health.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fibre from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Avoid using NSAIDs or proton pump inhibitors unless specifically prescribed by your doctor
- Manage stress through regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques, as stress can worsen functional bowel symptoms
Lupin Diagnostics Faecal Calprotectin Test Price and Home Collection
The faecal calprotectin test price in India starts at approximately ₹3200, with home sample collection available across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹3200 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3200 |
| Chennai | ₹3200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3200 |
| Kolkata | ₹3200 |
| Pune | ₹3200 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home stool sample collection across cities, making it convenient to get this test done without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The faecal calprotectin test checks for inflammation in the intestines. It is primarily used to help tell the difference between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which cause similar symptoms but have very different underlying causes.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. Do inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, particularly NSAIDs and proton pump inhibitors, as these can affect your result.
You collect the sample yourself using a kit provided by the lab. Place a clean container in the toilet to catch the stool before it reaches the water. Scoop a small amount into the sample container using the attached spoon, seal it, and label it with the date and time of collection.
A raised level suggests there is active inflammation in the intestines. This may be linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a gut infection, coeliac disease, or other conditions. A high result does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Your doctor will likely recommend further tests to determine the exact cause.
Yes. Long-term use of NSAIDs and proton pump inhibitors can raise calprotectin levels, which may not reflect true intestinal inflammation. Always tell your doctor about all medications you take so your results can be interpreted correctly.
For patients with IBD in remission, testing every three to four months is generally considered useful. Calprotectin levels tend to rise four to six months before a clinical flare, so regular monitoring helps doctors act early if needed.
Yes, the faecal calprotectin test is used in children to help identify those who may have IBD. However, reference ranges differ by age. Infants and young children under five naturally have higher baseline levels, so a paediatrician will apply age-appropriate values when interpreting results.
Faecal Calprotectin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
