Introduction
We have asked you to provide a sample of your stool (faeces / poo) to be tested for calprotectin. The calprotectin test lets your doctor know if you have inflammation (swelling, irritation) in your intestine. This can be used for diagnosis to work out why you are unwell. This can also be used to monitor an illness you already have.
This test is commonly used to help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-inflammatory illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
You have been given a special sample tube and a form to do this test. If you are missing these please contact your doctor.
If you have any queries about the test please speak to your doctor.
What does the test involve?
The test involves collecting a sample of stool (faeces / poo) into the tube we gave you. We call this your sample. Once you have collected your sample you need to give it to you doctor or bring it to hospital. Your doctor or hospital will give this to the laboratory to test. The laboratory will give the results to your doctor when they are finished.
Is there anything I need to do before I collect the sample?
Painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Diclofenac (or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS) can affect the calprotectin result. If you are not sure or are taking any of these medications ask your doctor first. If your doctor says it is OK you need to stop taking these 4 weeks before you take your sample.
You should also try to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 24 hours before collecting the sample.
Where possible the sample should be collected from your first motion (the first time you go for a poo) of the day, so it is helpful to have your collection kit ready the night before.
Before Collecting Your Sample
We have given you a small plastic tube to put the sample in. It is important that the stool (faeces / poo) you take your sample from has not been in the toilet bowl. Any water or urine (pee) could mean a wrong test result.
If you need to urinate (pee), do this first and then collect your stool sample. It is also important that the sample does not come into contact with any toilet cleaner or freshener products.
How to collect your sample
- Label the container
You might have been given a printed form with your sample container. This form has a sticky label for you to use. The sticky label has your name and date of birth on and a barcode. Stick this label on your sample like the picture below:
If you do not have a printed form and sticky label you need to write on the container. Please write your name, date of birth and NHS number on the container like the picture below:
- Wear disposable rubber or plastic gloves.
- Place something in the toilet to catch the stool (faeces / poo), such as a potty or a clean empty plastic container or spread plastic wrap over the rim of the toilet. Make sure the sample doesn’t touch the inside of the toilet.
- Produce your sample (do a poo) in to the container or plastic wrap you made in step 3.
- Unscrew the sample tube lid. Using the spoon attached to the lid scoop up a spoon full of stool (faeces / poo).
- Screw the lid back on the tube so that the spoon is inside the tube.
- Write the date and time on the sample tube.
- Put your sample tube inside the clear plastic bag attached to your form. Please stick the bag shut to keep your sample safe. You must keep the form and sample together.
- Flush any leftover stool (faeces / poo) down the toilet or bag it, tie it up and put it in the bin. Put the gloves and anything else you used to collect the sample in a plastic bag, tie it up and put it the bin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
How do I store my sample?
Take your sample and form to your GP or hospital as soon as you can. You must give us your sample within 3 days. If you cannot give us your sample right away keep it at room temperature and away from sunlight. DO NOT keep your sample near food or drink. DO NOT put your sample in the fridge.
Where do I take the sample?
Take your sample and form doctor’s surgery (GP) or Pathology department at hospital. Please make sure that:
- you have stuck the label on OR written your name, date of birth and NHS number on the tube (in step 1 above)
- You have written the date and time you took your sample on the tube (in step 7 above)
- you have included the request form from your doctor
If you do not complete the information on the collection bottle, or don’t send a request form we will not be able to test your sample. If this happens you will have to start again.
When will I get my results?
Your doctor will be sent a report of your results which may be discussed at your next visit. Only your doctor can give you the results. If you are worried or have any questions you should speak to your doctor.
Benefits
The benefit of doing the test is that it will provide your doctor with important results which will help your doctor find out what is making you ill. The results can also help your doctor decide how best to make you better.
Risks
If you do not have the test your doctor may not know what is making you ill. If you do not have the test your doctor may not know if you are getting better.
If your sample gets mixed with toilet water, urine (pee) or cleaning products the result may be wrong. This could delay you getting better.
If you do not have a sticky label on your sample tube OR write your name and date of birth on your sample we will not be able to test it. This could delay you getting better.
If you do not have a printed or hand written form with your sample tube we will not be able to test it. This could delay you getting better.
Alternatives
There are no alternative tests that we can do. If you are not sure about doing the test, you should talk to your doctor about what other options you might have.
Contact Details for further information
If you have any queries please ring your local laboratory:
Goole Tel. 03033 304025 Reception 0830-1600 (Mon-Fri)
Grimsby Tel. 03033 302677 Reception 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri)
Scunthorpe Tel. 03033 302641 Reception 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri)
Louth Tel. 01507 600100 Ext 1253 Reception 0830-1630 (Mon-Fri)
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
Review
Date of Issue: May 2024
Review Period: May 2027