Can I take a calprotectin test on my period?

[alybaly402]

Hi all-
I'm supposed to take a fecal calprotectin test. I get stomach attacks and i'm currently undiagnosed. I took a test 2 years ago and it was elavated. the colonoscopy found nothing. I'm at a new DR and he's running the test again.
Anyway, I'm on the first day of my period and I want to know if it will throw off my test results. Will it make my calprotectin levels lower? Higher? I also took an advil.
Please help.
Thank you! :ghug:

 

[valleysangel92]

I'm pretty sure I've done them when having my period before, and it's not affected the results, as long as they aren't testing for blood, I don't think it will have too much impact, if you aren't sure then I would say call your doctor and ask them. If you really want to you can wait until your period is over, a few more days - a week shouldn't make a huge amount of difference if you aren't doing too badly at the moment.

I would advise you to stop taking advil though, NSAIDs are known to have adverse effects in those with IBD and many other gastrointestinal conditions, they can cause ulcers to form and encourage bleeding.

 

[alybaly402]

Thank you!

 

[theOcean]

Also agreeing with valleysangel92: NSAIDs are very tough on us. I sometimes still take them since I suffer from migraines, but have a weekly limit I allow myself (two) and always take them on a full stomach to make sure it doesn't cause me harm. Like that it doesn't seem to bother me, but still try to be careful.