What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or unexplained weight loss. It helps detect inflammation in your digestive tract and can indicate whether symptoms are caused by inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis versus other digestive issues. Many people use this test when their doctor wants to rule out serious bowel conditions or monitor existing inflammatory bowel disease.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your calprotectin level means for your gut health and whether inflammation is present. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary modifications, when to follow up with a gastroenterologist, or whether additional testing may be needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your calprotectin levels over time using our trends feature to monitor inflammation and see how treatments are working.

What's included in this test?

This test measures calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells in your intestines when there is inflammation. This test measures calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells in your intestines when there's inflammation. Elevated calprotectin levels strongly suggest active inflammation in your digestive tract, which is common in conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases. This single but powerful marker helps your doctor distinguish between inflammatory conditions and non-inflammatory digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.

How should I prepare for this test?

You'll need to collect a stool sample in a clean, leak-proof plastic container without any preservative. After collection, freeze the sample immediately and write the date and time of collection on the container. Quest can provide a standard stool container without preservative if needed. No special diet or fasting is required before collecting your sample.

Who should consider this test?

This test is important for anyone experiencing persistent digestive symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or blood in their stool. It's especially useful if your doctor suspects inflammatory bowel disease, wants to monitor existing IBD, or needs to distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory digestive conditions. People with a family history of Crohn's or colitis may also benefit from this test when symptoms arise.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include chronic or recurring diarrhea, persistent abdominal pain or cramping, blood or mucus in your stool, and unexplained weight loss. You may also experience urgent bowel movements, fatigue, or feeling like your bowels don't empty completely. If you have persistent digestive symptoms that interfere with daily life or symptoms that come and go over several weeks, this test can help identify inflammation.

How can I naturally support gut health and reduce inflammation?

Supporting gut health starts with an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, limiting processed foods, and identifying trigger foods that worsen symptoms. Stress management through meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help reduce gut inflammation. Staying well-hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and considering probiotics may also support digestive health, though you should discuss specific dietary changes with your healthcare provider if you have IBD.

What is calprotectin and why does it matter?

Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells that increases when there's inflammation in your intestines. When your gut is inflamed, these white blood cells release calprotectin into your stool, making it a reliable marker of intestinal inflammation. High calprotectin levels help doctors identify active inflammatory bowel disease and distinguish it from non-inflammatory conditions, guiding proper treatment decisions.

What does high calprotectin mean?

High calprotectin levels indicate active inflammation in your digestive tract, which is commonly seen in conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or infections. The degree of elevation often correlates with the severity of inflammation. While elevated levels suggest an inflammatory condition, your doctor will interpret results alongside your symptoms and may recommend additional testing or treatment to address the underlying cause.

How often should I retest my calprotectin levels?

If you've been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend retesting every 3-6 months to monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness. During flare-ups or when adjusting medications, more frequent testing may be needed. If your initial test is normal but symptoms persist, your doctor might suggest retesting in a few months to catch any developing inflammation early.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Calprotectin Stool Test - Gut Inflammation Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Stool Test for Gut Inflammation and Digestive Issues