Calprotectin test results

[Rocky robin7]

Hey,

So I got my results and they are very slightly over the range they should be (66) im not sure what to think?! It's still over, suggesting IBD but my hospital normal range is up to 60 so it's only raised by 6! My referral is going to take a few months apparently. Just for info on blood tests-
ESR was 44
CRP 12.9 - both show inflammation along with slightly raised calprotectin.. Any ideas on this?

 

[my little penguin]

66 isn't raised by IBd standards
Flaring is in the thousands
Most Gi consider IBd stable below 200-300
Caloprotectin just notes a small amount of gut inflammation which could be from anything at that low of a value
Same with esr could be raised from illness or other inflammation in the body not just IBd

 

[Bunty]

My recent calprotectin result just said 'over 300'. When I asked for the actual figure my consultant said the lab didn't give him it, it was enough to know that it was over 300 and was one of the criteria for starting me on infliximab.
Bunty x

 

[ronroush7]

Rockyrobin, what did the doctor say?

2

 

[Clash]

My son is the one with IBD, CD to be exact. His calprotectin level has been as high as 1700. With simmering inflammation it was 300.

I don't have IBD but was having issues that were later determined to be gastritis. Since my son had CD they ran a fecal calprotectin test. The lab used was Quest labs their normal reference range is like <167. My result was like 165, I think. Reference ranges can vary from lab to lab but the units used to measure are the same with the FC test. So had I used, Labcorp(which my son uses) then my result would've been 165 and their NRR would've been <50. The GI wasn't concerned either way. I did go ahead with scopes and imaging but nothing was found. My issues did resolve after taking the cocktail for gastritis.

All this to say, 66 is not concerning nor would I consider it a red flag for further testing. But if you are having symptoms then regardless of that result further investigation is likely warranted.

I truly hope you find some answers soon.

 

[ronroush7]

My son is the one with IBD, CD to be exact. His calprotectin level has been as high as 1700. With simmering inflammation it was 300.

I don't have IBD but was having issues that were later determined to be gastritis. Since my son had CD they ran a fecal calprotectin test. The lab used was Quest labs their normal reference range is like <167. My result was like 165, I think. Reference ranges can vary from lab to lab but the units used to measure are the same with the FC test. So had I used, Labcorp(which my son uses) then my result would've been 165 and their NRR would've been <50. The GI wasn't concerned either way. I did go ahead with scopes and imaging but nothing was found. My issues did resolve after taking the cocktail for gastritis.

All this to say, 66 is not concerning nor would I consider it a red flag for further testing. But if you are having symptoms then regardless of that result further investigation is likely warranted.

I truly hope you find some answers soon.

Me too.

 

[Rocky robin7]

Hey, thank you for the responses.

Little penguin I'm curious to know which country are you in? differebt countries have different thresholds/result meanings etc I don't want to get my hopes up in thinking it's not IBD when here in London some places say anything over 50/60 is classified as positive and suggestive of IBD but requires further investigation.

Hey Ron,
Doctor said they have refered me to a specialist and there's a chance inflammation could be caused by Gastroenteritis/something else, but because of my family history, blood results and the fact my calprotectin is a tad over the threshold, theres a possibility it is IBD.

 

[ronroush7]

The specialist might still say Crohn's Disease. Let us know.

 

[Rocky robin7]

Thank you Clash

I'm hoping it is similar to yourself something like gastritis but I've been suffering for a while and have symptoms suggestive of IBD. Doctors are not worried but the hospital sent a note to say further investigation should be carried out (this may mean even just a repeat stool/bloods under a GI) im crossing everything that it's a simple resolvable issue.

My results says-66ug/g the threshold is 0.00-60.00ug/g v slightly raised inflammatory bowl disease- await outcome with gastro app. Borderline Calprotection. IBD not excluded.

 

[Clash]

ug/g is the standard unit of measurement and the one used with labs here in the US, where my little penguin is from. Different labs here have different NRR or thresholds as you called them. Labcorp since inception had an NRR of <50 just like the lab you mentioned. On my son's last test they had moved their NRR to 150, I think.

The thing is fecal calprotectin, like any other test, can't conclusively rule in or out IBD. It is a great tool sometimes to determine if further testing is warranted. And an even better test for some who are already dxed to track whether meds are working since it shows inflammation levels in the GI tract only.

Since you are early in testing then I would record this result and move to the next test if symptoms have persisted. I wouldn't make any assumptions on a clinical marker alone especially since you are symptomatic and searching for answers.

FC is just one marker among many and as hard as it is I wouldn't let it allow my stress levels to be swayed one way or the other. If you are having persistent symptoms then further investigation will hopefully give you the answers.

 

[Rocky robin7]

Thank you very much for the info and advice. It is much appreciated im not going to stress anymore, I just wish this discomfort in my stomach/bowl would go away now it's been over 3 weeks of putting up with a bruised like feeling! So annoying. And I'm scared to eat or drink incase it causes more damage. My life is currently on hold

 

[Clash]

I truly hope the further investigations will bring you some answers and relief.

Some studies have shown that the fc test may not be as accurate at detecting inflammation in the small bowel. Other studies have shown that not to be the case. So again, nothing is black and white.

During your waitING period for the specialist have you tried tactics to help alleviate your discomfort? Before my son's dx we tried heating pads, soft food diet, warm baths and such. You may look at a liquid diet to see if that brings relief or contact your consultant to ask about anything they may be able to suggest to mitigate symptoms until testing can be done.

 

[Rocky robin7]

Thank you very much for the advice. I am currently eating soft bland food and it's helping! I'm taking omeprazol, for reasons I don't know lol the docs told me to take it. Interesting you say warm baths, I mentioned to my friend just randomly that when I'm in the bath it feels like it helps with the pain.