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Fecal calprotectin
A protein of intestinal inflammation. It helps tell inflammatory bowel disease from functional gut trouble without a colonoscopy.
Other names: Fecal calprotectinSection: GI tractSpecialist: GastroenterologistSample: Stool
Updated: September 17, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortNormal fecal calprotectin is up to 50 µg/g. Values of 50–120 are a grey zone needing a repeat or further workup; above 120–200, intestinal inflammation is likely. The test helps tell IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) from irritable bowel syndrome, where calprotectin stays normal.
What this marker is
Calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils, the inflammation cells. When the gut is inflamed, neutrophils enter the lumen and fecal calprotectin rises in proportion to disease activity.
The test’s main value is separating two conditions with similar complaints: inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome, which involves no inflammation. In IBS calprotectin stays normal; in IBD it is markedly elevated.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults and children
up to 50 µg/g
Grey zone
50–120 µg/g — repeat test or further workup at the doctor’s discretion
Likely intestinal inflammation
above 120–200 µg/g
IBD activity monitoring
a rise above your usual level signals a flare
In infants calprotectin is physiologically higher — pediatric references differ and the pediatrician interprets. NSAIDs (ibuprofen and similar) can moderately raise the result. Ranges differ between laboratories.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
An approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report; a doctor interprets the result.
When it is high or appears: possible causes
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitisInflammatory bowel diseases — the main cause of high calprotectin.
Intestinal infectionsBacterial enteritis (salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis) causes a temporary rise.
Polyps and colon cancerCan moderately raise calprotectin — the test does not replace screening.
NSAIDs and diverticulitisIbuprofen-like drugs, inflamed diverticula.
Pancreatic insufficiencyA moderate rise in severe exocrine insufficiency.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the result without any disease — keep them in mind before a retest:
A small stool portion in a clean container, without urine or water contamination. No special diet needed. Details: Preparation: stool.
When a retest makes sense
In the grey zone, repeat in 2–4 weeks. In IBD the gastroenterologist sets the monitoring schedule: calprotectin tracks the therapy response and an approaching flare.
Who usually reviews this result
An out-of-range result is usually reviewed by: Gastroenterologist, primary care physician. Bring your report and any previous results to the visit.
Names used on lab reports
Look for one of these names on your report: CalprotectinCalprotectinFecal calprotectinStool calprotectin
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
It is the grey zone (50–120 µg/g): no definite inflammation, but not clean normal either. The doctor usually orders a repeat in 2–4 weeks and weighs the complaints; with a persistent rise, further workup follows.
Can calprotectin replace a colonoscopy?
No, but it helps prioritize who needs colonoscopy first. Normal calprotectin with a typical IBS picture can spare an unnecessary invasive exam.
High calprotectin in a child — what to do?
In infants the level is physiologically higher than in adults; in older children an elevation is worked up as in adults: infection and inflammatory bowel disease are excluded by a pediatric gastroenterologist.
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