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Fecal Calprotectin

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Fecal calprotectin is a protein biomarker that indicates the presence of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly useful in diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Quick summary

Fecal calprotectin measures inflammation in the gut, aiding in diagnosing IBD.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
μg/g
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Buhlmann FCAL, Calpro Calprotectin, PhiCal Test
interpretation: {"text":"0–50 μg/g: No significant inflammation detected.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">50 μg/g: Possible inflammation; further evaluation recommended.","label":"Elevated"}

Fecal calprotectin is a protein found in the stool that reflects the migration of neutrophils into the gastrointestinal tract, which occurs during inflammation. Elevated levels of fecal calprotectin are associated with inflammatory conditions such as IBD, infectious colitis, and colorectal cancer.

The normal range for fecal calprotectin is typically between 0–50 μg/g. Levels above this range may indicate active inflammation, prompting further diagnostic evaluation, including endoscopy or imaging studies.

Fecal calprotectin testing is a non-invasive method that helps differentiate between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not involve intestinal inflammation. This distinction is crucial for appropriate treatment strategies.

Frequently asked questions

What does a high fecal calprotectin level indicate?
A high fecal calprotectin level suggests inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be due to conditions like IBD, infections, or colorectal cancer.
Can fecal calprotectin levels change over time?
Yes, fecal calprotectin levels can fluctuate with disease activity, decreasing with effective treatment and increasing during flare-ups.
  1. 1
    Calprotectin as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseaseSource
  2. 2
    Fecal Calprotectin TestSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy