Calprotectin, Stool

Test Code

16796

CPT Codes
83993

Preferred Specimen

3 grams solid stool collected in a Quest standard stool container without preservative, or a clean, leak-proof plastic screw-cap container without preservative

Minimum Volume

0.3 grams

Other Acceptable Specimens

Liquid or semi-liquid stool collected in a Quest standard stool container without preservative, or a clean, leak-proof plastic screw-cap container without preservative

Instructions

Quest standard stool container without preservative is available through Client Supply.

Room temperature stability: Stable for 6 days. However due to the sample type, it is not recommended to keep stool sample at room temperature.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 6 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen -20°C: 28 days
Frozen -70°C: 1 year

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Stool specimen collected in a container with fixative or preservative • Stool specimen collected during surgical procedure • Other specimen rather than raw stool sample

Methodology
Chemiluminescence (CL)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 5-6 days

Limitations

NSAIDs may cause elevated results.

Reference Range

<50 mcg/g	Normal
50-120 mcg/g	Borderline
>120 mcg/g	Elevated

Clinical Significance

Calprotectin is a non-specific marker of bowel inflammation. Subsequent to white blood cell migration into the intestine, this neutrophil protein may be detected in the stool. Thus, fecal calprotectin levels may assist in diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and other disorders characterized by bowel inflammation. It can also be used as an aid in the differentiation of IBD from irritable bowel syndrome.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.