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DNA Labs India

Fecal Calprotectin Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Fecal Calprotectin Test

Short Name: Fecal Calprotectin

Also known as: Stool Calprotectin, Fecal Calprotectin Level, FC Test, Calprotectin Stool Test, Faecal Calprotectin

Fecal Calprotectin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,000. Uses Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Fully automated platform, ISO 9001:2015 compliant methodology on Fresh stool sample samples. Results in Digital report available within 24–48 hours of sample receipt at the laboratory. Delivered via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Biomarker🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

The primary purpose of the Fecal Calprotectin Test is to non-invasively differentiate Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by measuring neutrophil-derived calprotectin protein in stool. It serves as a first-line screening tool to identify active intestinal inflammation, thereby reducing unnecessary invasive procedures like colonoscopies. In patients with known IBD, serial fecal calprotectin measurements are used to monitor disease activity, assess treatment response, and predict clinical relapse before symptoms appear.

Test Code
558
CPT Code
83993
ICD Code
K50, K51, K58
Price
₹4,000
Sample Type
Fresh stool sample
Result Time
Digital report available within 24–48 hours of sample receipt at the laboratory. Delivered via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Fully automated platform, ISO 9001:2015 compliant methodology
Step 1

Sample Collection

Avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for 48 hours before sample collection if medically safe to do so, as these medications may transiently elevate calprotectin levels. No fasting is required. Collect the first stool of the day if possible for consistency. Ensure the stool does not come into contact with urine, water, toilet cleaner, or disinfectant.

Method: Self-collected at home using provided sterile stool collection kit

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Use the sterile scoop provided in the DNA Labs India stool collection kit. Collect a walnut-sized (5–10 g) portion of fresh stool. Place the sample into the stabilizing buffer tube and close the cap tightly. Place the sealed tube into the insulated cold pack provided. Handle the kit as per the printed instructions enclosed.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Store the sealed sample in the insulated cold pack at 2–8°C (refrigerator) until our courier arrives for pickup. Hand over the sample to the phlebotomist at the scheduled pickup time. Do not freeze the sample. The digital report will be available within 24–48 hours via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Timeline: Digital report available within 24–48 hours of sample receipt at the laboratory. Delivered via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No fasting required. Avoid NSAIDs and proton pump inhibitors for 48 hours before sample collection if medically safe. Ensure you have not consumed any stool-altering substances. Collect the first morning stool if possible for optimal consistency.
2
During the Test:This is a non-invasive home-based stool collection test. There is no hospital visit, needle, sedation, or bowel preparation required. Collect the sample using the provided sterile kit and stabilizing buffer tube as per the enclosed instructions.
3
After the Test:After handing over the sample to our courier, your sample will be transported under cold-chain to our ISO-certified laboratory. The digital report will be available within 24–48 hours. A free telephonic consultation is available to help you understand your results.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The primary purpose of the Fecal Calprotectin Test is to non-invasively differentiate Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by measuring neutrophil-derived calprotectin protein in stool. It serves as a first-line screening tool to identify active intestinal inflammation, thereby reducing unnecessary invasive procedures like colonoscopies. In patients with known IBD, serial fecal calprotectin measurements are used to monitor disease activity, assess treatment response, and predict clinical relapse before symptoms appear.

How to Prepare

  • Open the DNA Labs India stool collection kit and review the enclosed instructions.
  • Collect a walnut-sized (5–10 g) fresh stool sample using the sterile scoop provided.
  • Ensure the sample does not come into contact with urine, water, toilet cleaner, or disinfectant.
  • Place the sample in the stabilizing buffer tube and close the cap tightly until it clicks.
  • Place the sealed tube in the insulated cold pack provided in the kit.
  • Store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) until pickup by our trained courier phlebotomist.
  • Hand over the complete kit to the phlebotomist at the scheduled home collection time.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504

"Fecal calprotectin has transformed how we evaluate patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Before its widespread adoption, many patients with IBS-like symptoms were subjected to unnecessary colonoscopies. A single stool calprotectin test can now help us confidently rule out active IBD in over 90% of cases when the level is below 50 µg/g, sparing patients invasive procedures and their associated risks. For patients with known IBD, serial calprotectin measurements serve as an invaluable non-invasive monitoring tool—rising levels can predict a clinical relapse weeks before symptoms appear, allowing us to adjust treatment proactively. I recommend this test as the first-line investigation for any patient presenting with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or altered bowel habits where IBD is a differential diagnosis."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeFresh stool sample
Sample Volume5–10 g (walnut-sized portion)
ContainerProprietary temperature-controlled kit with stabilizing buffer (2–8°C cold-chain container)
Collection MethodSelf-collected at home using provided sterile stool collection kit

Sample Stability

Stable for up to 48 hours at 2–8°C in the provided stabilizing buffer
Calprotectin degrades rapidly at room temperature; cold-chain must be maintained continuously
Do not freeze the sample
Sample must reach the laboratory within 48 hours of collection
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Sample collected without stabilizing buffer or cold-chain transport
  • Insufficient sample quantity (less than 5 g)
  • Sample contaminated with urine, water, or toilet disinfectant
  • Sample older than 48 hours without maintained cold-chain (2–8°C)
  • Leaking or damaged collection container
  • Frozen sample

Understanding Your Results

Fecal calprotectin results are interpreted based on evidence-based clinical thresholds established by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). The quantitative value (in µg/g) indicates the likelihood of active intestinal mucosal inflammation. Results should always be correlated with the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and additional investigations as recommended by the treating physician.
📊

Active intestinal inflammation is highly unlikely. Results strongly support a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) rather than Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). No further invasive investigation is typically required unless symptoms persist or worsen.

Status: Normal

Range: < 50 µg/g

📊

Mild intestinal inflammation may be present. Repeat fecal calprotectin testing after 2–4 weeks is recommended. If symptoms persist or the repeat value remains elevated, colonoscopy with histological evaluation should be considered to confirm or exclude IBD.

Status: Borderline / Indeterminate

Range: 50–120 µg/g

📊

Strongly suggestive of active Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). Correlate with clinical symptoms and laboratory markers (CRP, ESR). Endoscopic confirmation with biopsy is recommended for definitive diagnosis and disease classification.

Status: Elevated

Range: > 120 µg/g

📊

Very strong indicator of significant active IBD. Urgent gastroenterological evaluation and colonoscopy are strongly recommended. In known IBD patients, this level may indicate a disease flare requiring treatment escalation.

Status: Highly Elevated

Range: > 250 µg/g

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your gastroenterologist if your fecal calprotectin level is above 50 µg/g, especially if accompanied by persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, blood or mucus in stool, or a family history of IBD. Borderline results (50–120 µg/g) should be repeated in 2–4 weeks. If symptoms worsen at any time regardless of test results, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Limitations

  • ⚠Cannot replace colonoscopy for definitive histological diagnosis of IBD
  • ⚠Elevated calprotectin is not specific to IBD alone; GI infections, NSAID enteropathy, and colorectal cancer can also raise levels
  • ⚠Borderline results (50–120 µg/g) are inconclusive and require repeat testing after 2–4 weeks
  • ⚠Results must always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, history, and other laboratory findings
  • ⚠Calprotectin levels may be falsely low in patients on immunosuppressive or biologic therapy for IBD
  • ⚠Not recommended as a standalone diagnostic test without physician evaluation

Risks & Considerations

  • ●No significant risks. This is a completely non-invasive stool-based test.
  • ●There is no risk of infection, bleeding, perforation, or sedation-related complications.
  • ●Mild discomfort may be experienced during stool collection, which is a routine process.
  • ●Unlike colonoscopy, there is no bowel preparation, anesthesia, or procedural risk involved.

Interfering Factors

  • ●Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin may transiently elevate calprotectin levels
  • ●Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may cause mild elevation in fecal calprotectin
  • ●Sample degradation due to prolonged exposure to room temperature without stabilizing buffer
  • ●Active gastrointestinal infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic) may elevate levels independent of IBD
  • ●Rectal bleeding or hemorrhoids may cause false elevation of calprotectin
  • ●Colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal malignancy may produce elevated calprotectin levels

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is fasting required for the Fecal Calprotectin test?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before collecting the stool sample. However, it is advisable to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), for 48 hours before collection if medically safe, as these medications may transiently elevate calprotectin levels.
What do high fecal calprotectin levels (above 50 µg/g) indicate?
Fecal calprotectin values above 50 µg/g suggest the presence of active intestinal inflammation. Levels consistently between 50–120 µg/g are considered borderline and should be repeated after 2–4 weeks. Values above 120 µg/g are strongly associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy for definitive diagnosis.
Can I book a home sample collection for the Fecal Calprotectin test?
Yes. DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection across 300+ Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal, Patna, Surat, and many Tier-2 towns. Call or WhatsApp 09395142800 to schedule your collection.
How accurate is the Fecal Calprotectin test for differentiating Crohn's disease from IBS?
DNA Labs India's 2025–26 internal audit demonstrates 99.2% sensitivity for differentiating active Crohn's flare-ups from IBS, with a specificity of 92% at a cut-off of 50 µg/g. This high accuracy has been shown to reduce unnecessary colonoscopies by approximately 40% in our patient population.
What sample type is needed and how do I collect it?
A fresh stool sample (5–10 g, approximately walnut-sized) is required. DNA Labs India provides a sterile, temperature-controlled collection kit with a stabilizing buffer and clear printed instructions. Collect the stool using the scoop provided, place it in the buffer tube, seal tightly, and store in the insulated cold pack until courier pickup.
What is the cost of the Fecal Calprotectin test at DNA Labs India?
The Fecal Calprotectin test costs ?4,000 all-inclusive at DNA Labs India. This price covers the temperature-controlled collection kit, free home sample collection, quantitative ELISA analysis at our ISO-certified laboratory, digital report delivery within 24–48 hours, and free pre-test and post-test telephonic consultation. There are no hidden charges.
How long does it take to get the Fecal Calprotectin test results?
Results are available within 24–48 hours from the time the sample reaches our ISO 15189-certified laboratory. The digital report is delivered via the online portal, email, or WhatsApp. Free telephonic interpretation of results is also available.
Is the Fecal Calprotectin test a replacement for colonoscopy?
Fecal calprotectin is a highly effective first-line screening tool that can help avoid unnecessary colonoscopies when results are normal (< 50 µg/g). However, it is not a complete replacement for colonoscopy. Elevated or borderline results require endoscopic evaluation with biopsy for definitive diagnosis and disease classification. The test complements colonoscopy rather than replacing it.
Can medications affect fecal calprotectin test results?
Yes. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may transiently elevate fecal calprotectin levels. It is recommended to avoid these medications for 48 hours before sample collection if medically safe. Always inform your physician about any medications you are taking when interpreting results.
Is the Fecal Calprotectin test suitable for children?
Yes, the Fecal Calprotectin test can be performed on children. However, it is important to note that fecal calprotectin levels are physiologically higher in healthy infants and young children (especially under 4 years of age) compared to adults. Pediatric reference ranges may differ. Consult your pediatric gastroenterologist for age-appropriate interpretation.
What is the difference between Fecal Calprotectin and Fecal Lactoferrin tests?
Both are neutrophil-derived stool biomarkers for intestinal inflammation. Fecal calprotectin is more widely validated and recommended as the first-line test by ACG and ECCO guidelines. Fecal lactoferrin is another option that may be used as a complementary or alternative marker. Calprotectin has greater stability in stool and more extensive clinical evidence for IBD vs IBS differentiation.
Is the Fecal Calprotectin test covered under insurance or government health schemes?
Coverage for the Fecal Calprotectin test varies by scheme and policy. Government schemes such as PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat), CGHS, ECHS, and ESIC may cover the test under specific gastroenterology consultation contexts. Private insurance coverage depends on individual policy terms. A physician's prescription and lab invoice are typically required for reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider or our team for specific queries.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.
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