Fecal Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a protein found in white blood cells. Its presence in stool signals that inflammatory cells are active in the intestines.
Like calprotectin, lactoferrin helps distinguish inflammatory conditions of the gut from non-inflammatory ones such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can support decisions about further testing and help track known inflammatory bowel disease.
A positive or elevated result suggests intestinal inflammation, which may accompany conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or an intestinal infection. It indicates a need for further evaluation rather than confirming a specific diagnosis on its own.
A negative or normal result suggests little active intestinal inflammation, which can be reassuring when digestive symptoms are present.
A negative result is generally the reassuring outcome. Lactoferrin is often reported qualitatively as positive or negative, and your clinician can interpret it alongside your symptoms and other findings.
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.