Page Banner
Fecal Calprotectin Testing

Differentiating Between
IBS and IBD

Canada has one of the highest incidence and prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome in the world. With symptoms of these two conditions appearing similar, Fecal Calprotectin testing can provide an accurate diagnosis in many patients with chronic diarrhea without the need of doing invasive diagnostic procedures.

How is the test performed?

Stool sample
Order Now

Email me a patient package

Submit

What is IBS and IBD?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have common symptoms that can make a true diagnosis difficult without a colonoscopy. Both conditions commonly present with diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and cramping. However the treatment of the conditions is very different.

IBS:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the functioning of the large intestine. IBS does not change the bowel tissue, but it is a chronic condition that needs to be properly managed long-term. IBS symptoms are commonly controlled through lifestyle, diet and stress reduction and in more severe cases, medication and counseling.

IBD:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that cause the chronic inflammation of your digestive tract, colon or rectum. Common types of IBD include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The symptoms of IBD can range from mild to debilitating and even life-threatening. IBD needs to be carefully managed and is commonly characterized by acute episodes followed by periods of remissions. 

What is a Fecal Calprotectin test?

When a person has inflammation of the bowel, a protein is released that produces calprotectin in the stool. The Fecal Calprotectin test measures the amount of calprotectin present. A high level of calprotectin can indicate IBD, whereas a lower level of calprotectin can indicate functional bowel disease such as IBS. Fecal calprotectin is an excellent tool to exclude IBD and avoid unnecessary referrals and colonoscopies.

You can order the test here.

Who should get tested?

You can develop IBS or IBD at any age. You should speak to your doctor if you experience persistent symptoms including:

  • Abdominal pain, cramping
  • diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Blood in your stool
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diminished appetite and weight loss
  • Fever
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue

You can order the test here.

When is this test ordered?

Your healthcare provider may order a Fecal Calprotectin test if you have bloody or watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, lasting more than a few days.

Your healthcare provider may also order a Fecal Calprotectin test if you have already been diagnosed with IBD and wishes to monitor your condition.

You can order the test here.

How can I get tested?

You will need to obtain a collection container and bring a stool sample, along with a test requisition signed by your healthcare provider, to a LifeLabs Patient Service Centre. Collection containers are available at a Patient Service Centre near you. To complete the stool sample properly, please refer to the stool sample collection instructions.

 

Understanding your results

Test results will be provided directly to your healthcare provider for discussion with you. The report will indicate the level of calprotectin present in the stool sample. A higher level of calprotectin may indicate inflammatory bowel disease and your physician may recommend a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

Overview

Fecal Calprotectin will help evaluate the level of intestinal inflammation and will differentiate between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Elevated concentrations of fecal calprotectin may be useful in distinguishing IBD from functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS. When used for this differential diagnosis, fecal calprotectin has sensitivity and specificity both of approximately 85%. People with IBD can use the Fecal Calprotectin Test to monitor disease activity and the effectiveness of their therapy.

How to Order

The patient must obtain a collection container and provide a stool sample at any of LifeLabs Patient Service Centres. Patients must present a requisition form signed by a physician or healthcare provider.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided for two (2) weeks prior to collection because they may cause an elevated result. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Salicylate (Aspirin)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • COX-2 Inhibitors (Celebrex)
Cost

Fecal CalProtectin is currently an uninsured test.

The cost is:  $110

Payment may be made by the patient when dropping off the stool sample at one of LifeLabs Patient Service Centres. For convenience, Visa, Mastercard and Debit Cards are accepted.

Patients are encouraged to check with their private healthcare insurer to see if coverage is provided.

Receiving results

Results will be available to you within two weeks.

Request a medical consult

We have a wealth of medical experts available to support you in interpreting test results.
Consults with our experts are available upon request. Request medical consultation.

    Request more information

    Schedule a test

    Patients do not need to schedule an appointment time for a Fecal CalProtectin test, they simply need to drop off a stool sample as per the instructions, along with a completed requisition from their healthcare provider. Samples not accompanied by a requisition will not be accepted.

    Sources

    Sources  

     

     

    People who looked at the Fecal Calprotectin Testing were also interested in:

    Featured
    Services
    COVID-19 Antibody Testing

    COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test

    Find out if you’ve had COVID-19 through an Antibody test.
    This blood test detects prior infection, even if you never experienced symptoms.
    Learn More
    Reaching a definitive diagnosis of hypertension

    24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

    Learn More
    Take the guesswork out of your diet

    IgG Food Sensitivity Testing

    Symptoms associated with food sensitivities develop slowly over time and can create inflammation and contribute to symptoms of a variety of diseases. The RMA FST™ IgG Food Sensitivity test can help identify potential food sensitivities and t...
    Learn More
    Colorectal Cancer Screening

    Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

    FIT is a safe and painless at-home cancer screening test. FIT checks someone’s stool (poop) for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by colon cancer and some pre-cancerous polyps (growths in the colon or rectum that can turn into cancer over time). W...
    Learn More
    Colorectal Cancer Screening

    Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

    FIT is a safe and painless stool-based test used for screening people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. FIT checks for the presence of occult blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer and/or pre-cancerous lesions. When ...
    Learn More
    (Omega 3 Score)

    Omega-3 Fatty Acid

    The Omega 3 ScoreTM Test quantifies the fatty acids present in a sample of a patient’s whole blood. Specific levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the blood have b...
    Learn More
    Helping Naturopathic Doctors Gain a Better View of the Health Status of their Patients

    Patient Assessment Panels

    Patient Assessment Panels enable you to provide your Naturopathic Doctor with a complete picture of your health. Now you can access the blood work required to make informed decisions on how to be your healthiest you!
    1. Convenient
    2. Comprehensive <...
    Learn More
    Personalized Risk Assessment of Prostate Cancer

    SelectMDx Testing

    Learning you have elevated PSA can be alarming news, but elevated PSA does not mean you have clinically significant disease and require a biopsy or treatment. SelectMDx is a novel decision support tool and provides your urologist with additional important info...
    Learn More
    QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus)

    QUANTIFERON-TB GOLD Plus (FOR TB SCREENING)

    QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is a simple blood test that aids in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria which causes tuberculosis (TB). Like its predecessor, QFT-Plus is an interferon gamma release assay, commonly known as an IGRA, ...
    Learn More
    Know Your Risk for Heart Attacks

    PULS (Protein Unstable Lesion Signature Test) Cardiac Test™

    The second leading cause of death among Canadians, heart attacks are often a silent killer with no signs or symptoms before they strike. Often resulting from coronary heart disease, heart attacks can be predicted and even prevented if you know and manage your ...
    Learn More
    Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

    Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

    One in seven men in Canada will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The third leading cause of cancer death, when prostate cancer is detected early, the more likely it can be successfully treated.
    Learn More
    Determine your risk of bone fractures

    Osteoporosis

    Known as the “silent thief”, osteoporosis is responsible for the loss of bone mass without obvious symptoms until a bone is broken. By knowing your risk through a Serum CTX Test, you can prevent, delay or reduce bone loss.
    Learn More
    Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

    HPV Testing

    About 75% of sexually active women will get a least one HPV infection in their lifetime. With HPV the primary cause of cervical cancer, the HPV test detects the presence of high-risk HPV strain(s).
    Learn More
    Diagnosing Celiac Disease

    Celiac Disease

    Celiac disease can arise at any age creating damage to your intestines and starving your body of critical nutrients. With a range of symptoms commonly associated with other conditions, knowing if you are celiac, or simply have a gluten allergy or intolerance, ...
    Learn More
    Detecting Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Anti-CCP

    The daily pain, stiffness and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis can go undiagnosed for months causing permanent damage to your body. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis at its earliest stages can prevent damage and improve long-term quality of life.
    Learn More
    Fertility Test

    Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

    With one in six couples across Canada experiencing difficulty in becoming pregnant, AMH levels can provide valuable insight into predicting a response for IVF treatment.
    Learn More
    Vitamin Levels

    25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test

    Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus and is essential
    for proper growth and healthy teeth and bones throughout your life.
    Learn More

    General Diagnostic Tests

    View all tests

    Genetic Tests

    Learn More

    Naturopathic Tests

    Learn More