Fecal calprotectin
A stool test that shows whether there’s inflammation in your gut - helping tell inflammatory bowel disease apart from IBS.
TypeStool
HowA small stool sample collected at home.
How oftenWhen bowel symptoms persist; repeated to track IBD.
BeforeAvoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) for a few days if possible.
WhoPeople with ongoing diarrhea, urgency, pain or blood in stool.
IBS and IBD can feel the same - they aren’t
IBS is a sensitive, reactive gut with no inflammation. IBD (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) is active inflammation that needs treatment. Calprotectin is released by white blood cells in the gut - so it shows which is more likely.
Low result
“Is it IBS?”
No significant inflammation. IBS or another cause becomes more likely.
Reassuring
Borderline
“Now what?”
Often repeated in a few weeks.
Recheck
High result
“Could it be IBD?”
Suggests inflammation. Usually followed by a colonoscopy.
Needs follow-up
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’ve had diarrhea or loose stools for weeks.
- You have abdominal pain with urgency or waking at night.
- You have blood or mucus in your stool.
A better option if…
- You mainly have upper-gut symptoms - try H. pylori testing.
- You have bloating after certain foods - a breath test may help.
How it’s measured
Stool calprotectin
Home sample returned to the lab.
The full picture
What is it?
A protein released by white blood cells into stool when the gut is inflamed.
What type of test is it?
A stool test.
What does it measure?
Calprotectin concentration.
Why might someone consider it?
To tell inflammatory bowel disease from IBS without invasive tests.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with ongoing bowel symptoms.
How is it performed?
You collect a small stool sample at home.
How often might it be considered?
When symptoms persist, and to monitor IBD.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether gut inflammation is likely.
What are its limitations?
NSAIDs, infections and polyps can raise it.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, blood count, celiac test and colonoscopy.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Ordered with a collection kit you use at home.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Gastroenterology clinics
For ongoing or complex symptoms.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Could my symptoms be IBD or IBS?
- Should I stop ibuprofen before the test?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Fecal calprotectin result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Fecal calprotectin result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test