Calprotectin test

Get tested for IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Sweden is one of the countries in the world with the highest incidence of IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD often has a common symptom picture with IBS, but can lead to permanent and more serious damage to the intestine. As there are major differences in both consequences and treatment, it is important that those with stomach and intestinal problems are diagnosed correctly and can begin an individualized treatment with the support of gastroenterologists and dietitians. With the Quicktest calprotectin test, you will receive an answer within just a few minutes to determine whether you have elevated levels of calprotectin, which may indicate chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A stool sample can thus also help rule out IBD so that more people with IBS can be detected and receive the correct treatment. More information about research on IBD and IBS is here. Please note that the Quicktest Calprotectin test does not diagnose. The test is used to provide an indication. Always speak to a doctor for further clinical investigation, diagnosis and medical measures.

Symptom vid IBD

IBD often begins between the ages of 15 and 40, and greatly affects the quality of life of those affected. Sometimes the disease can be dormant and sometimes active. The symptoms differ depending on the type of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, but there are also great similarities. Symptoms of IBD often include:

• abdominal pain
• changed stool
• blood or mucus in the stool
• fever
• weight loss

Some individuals with the IBD diseases Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in the colon have an increased risk of developing colon cancer in the long term. Whether the risk is increased depends mainly on how much of your intestine has been inflamed and how long you have been sick.

When evaluating a patient with diffuse gastrointestinal symptoms, a stool sample for calprotectin is also recommended, as it is a useful marker of intestinal inflammation.

In cases where the medical history and clinical findings point to IBS, i.e. functional bowel problems, a normal calprotectin value increases the likelihood that the condition really is IBS and not something else.

Fredrik Lönnqvist

Licensed Physician