Marker group

Faecal Inflammation

Plain-English guides to the faecal inflammation markers we measure and what your results mean, written to inform the conversation with your practitioner.

Markers in this group

Faecal CalprotectinThis is a stool test that picks up inflammation in your gut. Its main job is to help your doctor tell whether ongoing gut symptoms come from real inflammation in the bowel (the kind seen in Crohn's and colitis) or from a non-inflammatory cause like irritable bowel syndrome. The two can feel very similar but are managed quite differently, so telling them apart matters.

Reading results in this group

low

A low level is the expected, reassuring finding.

Possible reasons:

A low level is the expected, reassuring finding.

Next steps: No follow-up is usually needed.

in range

A normal result makes significant bowel inflammation less likely at the time of testing.

Possible reasons:

Low gut inflammation at the time of testing.

Next steps: No follow-up is usually needed unless symptoms persist or worsen.

elevated

Raised calprotectin suggests inflammation in the gut and is often used to decide whether further bowel investigation is helpful. It does not identify the cause on its own.

Persistent diarrhoea, blood in your stool, or ongoing abdominal pain?

Possible reasons:

Inflammation in the bowel from a range of causes.
Recent anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use or a gut infection can raise it temporarily.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. Depending on your symptoms they may consider repeat testing or referral to a gastroenterologist.

Calprotectin can rise temporarily after a gut infection or NSAID use; a repeat when well is sometimes helpful.

Medication Considerations

These medications may affect your results:

NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can raise faecal calprotectin.

Test your faecal inflammation

NATA-accredited testing. Results in 2–5 days. No GP referral required.

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