Lab marker · High

High Faecal calprotectin: what it means

A Faecal calprotectin result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised Faecal calprotectin can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Reference range: <50 µg/g normal (assay-dependent); a stool test — raised in inflammatory bowel disease and helps separate IBD from IBS

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What a high Faecal calprotectin can mean

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) — the main concern; a raised level flags active bowel inflammation needing endoscopy.
  • Active disease or a flare in known IBD — a rising level suggests the disease is not controlled.
  • Gut infection (gastroenteritis) — a temporary rise.
  • NSAID painkillers — can cause bowel inflammation and raise it.
  • Bowel polyps or, rarely, tumours — occasionally raised.

When to discuss with a doctor

Faecal calprotectin is most useful when the question is whether ongoing bowel symptoms — persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, altered habit — come from inflammation (IBD) or from a non-inflammatory cause such as irritable bowel syndrome. A normal result is reassuring and can avoid an unnecessary colonoscopy; a clearly raised result points to inflammation that needs investigating, usually with endoscopy. In someone with known Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, the level is followed to judge disease activity and response to treatment. Because infections and some painkillers can raise it, the result is read with the clinical picture. Any raised calprotectin, or alarm features such as bleeding, weight loss or anaemia, should be discussed promptly. Mediora.AI shows calprotectin alongside CRP, blood count and albumin so the inflammation pattern is visible; the interpretation belongs with your doctor.

Conditions this can relate to

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Mediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.