General
Stool Calprotectin
Lab test

Stool Calprotectin

Ordered for people with ongoing GI symptoms — including abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating — to help determine whether gut inflammation is present before proceeding to colonoscopy. A stool sample is collected at home. No fasting required. Results reviewed by a General Medicine clinician.

Receive actionable insights and deep analysis—not just lab values– in as little as 48 hours

Clear guidance, and follow-up care available

Simple, online scheduling for labs and everything else

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is a Stool Calprotectin Test?

The Stool Calprotectin test measures a protein released by white blood cells when inflammation is present in the intestinal lining. It is the most clinically validated non-invasive marker for distinguishing active gut inflammation — as seen in inflammatory bowel disease — from non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, which does not elevate calprotectin.

Intestinal inflammation detection

Calprotectin rises significantly when neutrophils are active in the gut — a hallmark of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Elevated levels signal that further evaluation, typically colonoscopy, is warranted to identify the source and extent of inflammation.

IBS vs. IBD differentiation

Because IBS does not cause elevated calprotectin, a normal result in a patient with GI symptoms strongly suggests a non-inflammatory cause — helping clinicians avoid unnecessary colonoscopies and direct care appropriately.

Disease activity monitoring

In patients with known IBD, serial calprotectin testing tracks whether inflammation is active, in remission, or escalating — providing an objective measure of disease activity between endoscopic evaluations.

Complete insights in as little as 48 hours

1

Book your test

Instantly schedule at 2,000+ labs nationwide, at a time that works for you. Most visits take 15 minutes or less, with both walk-ins and appointments available.

2

Get results in 48 hours

Your results are delivered quickly—and reviewed by medical professionals. You’ll get clear explanations, robust health insights, and recommended next steps tailored to your health needs.

3

Take action with physician guidance

Choose to review your results and manage your plan with a General Medicine physician—or simply use the insights on your own.

4

Track progress over time

Repeat annually to see trends, improvements, and new emerging risks or book individual tests that focus on your set goals

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

Your care plan
Clinician

What's included

Test type

Stool sample

Collection method

Stool collection

Fasting

Not required

Results processing time

1 to 2 days

Calprotectin

Calprotectin is a non-specific marker of bowel inflammation.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

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Frequently asked questions

What is stool calprotectin and what does it measure?

Calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells in the gut during intestinal inflammation. Elevated stool calprotectin indicates active gut inflammation — distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from non-inflammatory conditions like IBS, which does not cause elevated calprotectin.

How is stool calprotectin collected?

This is a stool test — you collect a small sample at home using a collection kit and provide it to the lab. No blood draw is required. Specific collection instructions are provided with your order.

Can this test diagnose Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

It cannot diagnose IBD on its own, but elevated calprotectin is a strong indicator that further investigation (typically colonoscopy with biopsy) is warranted. It's a useful triage tool that reduces unnecessary colonoscopies in people who are more likely to have IBS than IBD.

Does a normal calprotectin result mean I don't have IBD?

A normal result makes active gut inflammation less likely, but it doesn't completely rule out IBD — particularly mild or well-controlled disease. Clinical judgment and symptoms always need to be considered alongside the result.

Do any medications or conditions affect the result?

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can elevate calprotectin without true gut inflammation and should be avoided for several days before testing if possible. Active GI infection can also elevate results. Inform your clinician of any medications when reviewing results.