Fecal Calprotectin
Calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. When it shows up in your stool, it reflects inflammation somewhere in your intestines.
Because it rises specifically when white blood cells migrate into the gut wall, calprotectin helps distinguish inflammatory bowel conditions from functional issues like irritable bowel syndrome. Clinicians often use it to decide whether a colonoscopy is warranted and to monitor known inflammatory bowel disease over time.
A high level often points to active inflammation in the intestines, which can accompany conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It may also rise with infections, certain medications like NSAIDs, or other causes. An elevated result signals that a clinician should investigate further rather than confirming any single diagnosis.
A low or normal level suggests little intestinal inflammation and makes inflammatory bowel disease less likely, which can be reassuring when symptoms are present.
Many labs consider levels within their normal reference range reassuring, but thresholds and interpretation vary. Your clinician is best placed to read your result alongside your symptoms and history.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.