Faecal Calprotectin Collection.

[DustyKat]

Conclusion:
The present data reveal a great variability in the concentrations of calprotectin in stool samples collected during a single day. Since the levels of calprotectin increased with longer time between the bowel movements, it seems most appropriate to analyse stool from the first bowel movement in the morning. Moreover, storage of stool samples at room temperature for more than 3 days is not advisable.

The conclusion was taken from this abstract re: Individual variability of FC results in active UC.

I was unaware of the potential differences in results based on the collection of samples in relation to bowel movements.

Dusty. :tinfoil:

 

[my little penguin]

But does refrigeration decrease fecal caloprotectin ?

 

[krika]

Interesting. The nurse told me that I should keep it in the fridge until I could hand it in, when it became spoiled. Dont know if that is an answere, but its interesting, when I never even thought about this

 

[DustyKat]

But does refrigeration decrease fecal caloprotectin ?

Not that I have ever read mlp, only that freezing can increase levels.

 

[Patricia56]

our doc doesn't use fecal calprotectin. Says it's not reliable enough, that he's had kids with high levels who are in remission and ones with low levels who are very sick.

 

[DanceMom]

A had a BM on Friday afternoon which we collected and froze until it could be turned in on Monday morning. Her fecal calp result was 18. So if freezing increases levels it isn't a significant increase. I wondered if it decreased levels, but I imagine it wouldn't be a drastic enough decrease to cause concern with a result of only 18.

 

[MamaHenn]

our doc doesn't use fecal calprotectin. Says it's not reliable enough, that he's had kids with high levels who are in remission and ones with low levels who are very sick.

Interesting. Our GI just told us it is a good indication of inflammation. So confusing. Maybe it depends on where the Crohn's is located? My son's blood tests are almost normal in range but his last (and apparently first since the lab lost the first one) fecal calprotectin level came back at 400. :confused2:

Also, our GI did instruct us to put the sample in the freezer as well.

 

[Johnnysmom]

It is a good indicator for our son, maybe it varies from person to person?

His bloods were normal but he was losing weight at a fecal cal of 586. Now his fecal cal is a 24, bloods still normal, but the weight gain and growth have taken off.

MamaHenn,
My son's fecal cal was up two summers ago at 586, six months later it was at 64 where it has been in that range since. I don't know if it was a stomach virus, or his body kicked into remission on it's own, or healing just took longer than we thought, but don't give up hope! Keeping my fingers crossed your son's next fecal cal is in the normal range

 

[Patricia56]

Also our insurance won't cover it - it's considered an experimental test.

 

[AZMOM]

It has correlated for us and been a good indicator. Our hospital says you can refrigerate only if child goes in the evening and you can bring it the following morning. Never talked about freezing.

On a completely different note, formed stool can't be tested for c-diff. Did you know that??? Sounds silly but it's true. :rof:

J.