Interim feedback about Calprotectin in Primary Care

As you may be aware, faecal Calprotectin analysis is now offered in Primary Care upon completion of the “Calprotectin in Primary Care” request form. A link to this form can be found on the Laboratory Handbook, under Calprotectin. We have recently changed the wording of some of the questions so that they are no longer ambiguous.

In February and March, 47 requests were received from Primary Care for Calprotectin analysis. The results are distributed as follows:

9 samples:

• Positive: FC ≥ 100 mg/g faeces Referral to Gastroenterology recommended.

36 samples:

• Negative: FC < 50 mg/g faeces IBD unlikely- consider primary care IBS management.

2 samples:

• Indeterminate: FC 50-99 mg/g faeces. If symptoms persist re-test FC. If on re-test FC > 50 mg/g faeces referral to Gastroenterology is recommended.

We hope that implementation of this service will more easily differentiate patients who require referral to Gastroenterology.