CALEX® Cap is a stool extraction device containing a measured amount of BÜHLMANN calprotectin extraction buffer. It is for exclusive use with all BÜHLMANN calprotectin assays and has very high correlation to the gold standard weighing extraction method.
It simplifies sample handling eliminating the need for weighing, pipetting or decanting and enables direct loading of the extraction device onto ELISA processors.
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 |
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Hold the CALEX Cap device upright and remove the white sampling pin by simultaneously turning and pulling it upwards. Do not unscrew the blue cap! | Dip the sampling pin with the grooves into the stool turn the pin and remove it afterwards. Repeat the procedure at 3-5 different positions of the sample in order to fill the grooves completely.Note: Excess stool is stripped off in the funnel during re-introduction of the sampling pin into the CALEX body | Re-introduce the sampling pin into the CALEX body and push it back into the final locking position (you feel and hear two clicks). | Vortex the CALEX Cap device with the white head down vigorously on a vortex mixer for 30 sec and allow it to stand for 10 min on the white head. If the stool does not completely come off the grooves, repeat the procedure until the grooves are completely free of stool. That is easily monitored by checking that the grooves are empty before you proceed with step 5. | Unscrew the blue cap and take the appropriate sample volume for the analysis; continue with the respective Calprotectin assay.Note: Tightly recap the CALEX Cap device after usage |
How to Prepare an Extraction Control
Preparation of a simple internal quality control for Faecal Calprotectin, from Jane French, Consultant Clinical Scientist, UK NEQAS.
“As Programme Director of the UK NEQAS for Faecal Markers, I am often asked if I can recommend a suitable internal quality control (IQC) material for Faecal Calprotectin. Until quite recently, there has been no commercially-produced IQC available but all is not lost – with a bit of know-how, it is perfectly possible to make your own bespoke IQC, tailored to your exact requirements.”
Weighing
Weighing the sample is still considered the Gold-Standard sample extraction method.
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 |
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Pre-weigh empty tube and inoculation loop and tare to zero. | Add 50 – 100mg faeces | Add 49 volumes of 1x B-CAL-EX | Close tube and vortex vigorously for 30 min (highest speed). |
Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 |
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Transfer 1.5ml into a fresh tube. | Centrifuge for 5 min at 3,000 x g. | Transfer supernatant into a fresh tube | Continue immediately to ELISA procedure, or store at >-20°C |