Faecal calprotectin and ulcerative colitis

Calprotectin is released by inflamed bowel cells. A raised result supports the possibility of active intestinal inflammation, but it does not identify the exact cause on its own. Infection, some medicines and other bowel conditions can also raise it. A lower result makes active inflammation less likely, although your symptoms and medical history still matter. Doctors interpret the result alongside symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, blood or urgency, and may compare it with earlier tests.

Follow the collection instructions carefully and tell the clinician about recent infections, medicines and any treatment for ulcerative colitis. Do not change prescribed treatment because of one result. Your clinician may arrange repeat testing, blood tests or further assessment. A GP consultation can help bring the symptoms, test history and treatment plan together.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy rectal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact your care team promptly if diarrhoea or blood is increasing, you have a fever, or you are becoming unusually weak or dehydrated.

Ask what your result means in relation to your symptoms, whether it should be repeated, which medicines or infections could affect it, and what signs would suggest an ulcerative colitis flare.