What is Calprotectin?
Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, playing a crucial role in the body’s immune response. During inflammation, neutrophils release calprotectin into affected tissues. Its resistance to enzymatic degradation makes calprotectin a stable and reliable marker, especially when detected in feces samples. Elevated fecal calprotectin levels indicate gastrointestinal inflammation and are particularly useful in diagnosing and managing conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Why Measure Calprotectin in Feces?
The Calprotectin Rapid Test Kit is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay designed to qualitatively detect calprotectin in feces samples. The presence of calprotectin in feces directly correlates with intestinal inflammation. Unlike invasive procedures such as colonoscopies, feces calprotectin tests offer a non-invasive, patient-friendly diagnostic alternative.
The Calprotectin Rapid Test Kit Principle
The test operates on a lateral flow immunoassay principle. When a feces sample is placed into the provided buffer solution, calprotectin (if present) binds with colloidal gold-labeled antibodies. This mixture moves along the test strip by capillary action. If calprotectin levels exceed the test’s detection threshold (50 µg/g), a visible purplish test line (T) appears. The presence of a control line (C) ensures the test’s validity, confirming correct procedural technique and sufficient sample volume.
Advantages of Rapid Calprotectin Testing
- Quick Results: Results are available within 15 minutes, enabling swift clinical decision-making.
- Non-invasive and Patient-Friendly: Only a small feces sample is required, eliminating patient discomfort associated with invasive diagnostic procedures.
- Highly Stable Marker: Calprotectin remains stable in feces samples at room temperature for up to 7 days, providing reliable test results even if sample collection and testing are delayed.
- User-Friendly Design: The RapidFor™ kit includes all necessary components—test cassettes, buffer solutions, and sample collection devices—allowing easy use without additional laboratory equipment.
- Enhanced Clinical Efficiency: Rapid testing helps healthcare providers quickly differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions, improving patient management and outcomes.
Conclusion
Calprotectin measurement with RapidFor Calprotectin Rapid Test Kit represents a significant advancement in gastrointestinal diagnostics, enabling timely, accurate detection and management of inflammatory conditions. By facilitating immediate clinical decisions, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures, and improving patient comfort and outcomes, rapid calprotectin testing has become a valuable asset in effective gastrointestinal disease management.
Taking intestinal health seriously starts with timely, informed testing.
Contact the Vitrosens team today for evaluation kits and expert technical support!
Key References:
- WANG, Wenqian, et al. The Role of Calprotectin in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025, 26.5: 1996.
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Fecal Calprotectin for the Evaluation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(3):303-304
- Vitrosens Biotechnology. Calprotectin Rapid Test Kit– Technical Manual.
