Is fecal calprotectin a newer test?

[BeeMom]

I asked our GI why my daughter is being given the fecal calprotectin test now, when in the past she has been given the ESR or CRP test. I was told that it is a newer test that they just began using it the past year or so. Is that true? Is it a newer test? Or is my local gi dept just catching up to norms? My BS detection meters are going off...

 

[Hope345]

yes, it is new. I am still fighting with our insurance agent to cover it. The fecal Calprotectin cuts down on the amount of colonoscopies needed each year. I am all for it. It is less expensive, non-evasive and can give you and the doctor a good idea of the inflammation. Not all doctors believe in the accuracy, and a colonoscopy may still be needed a couple times a year.

 

[Clash]

I think it is now becoming more commonplace among GIs to evaluate inflammation activity in the GI tract. Still relatively new as alot of insurance companies haven't started covering it yet. Here is an interesting study on it released in 2009.