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In 2013 NICE published the DG11 guidance supporting the use of calprotectin as a cost-effective method to differentiate between IBD and IBS. Since that time, the level of testing within laboratories has increased significantly and BÜHLMANN has expanded its product portfolio to assist with evolving hospital requirements. BÜHLMANN offers the widest range of calprotectin assays, all standardised together to help support testing across the healthcare network.
With the implementation of NHS Improvement Pathology Networking, many trusts are now operating on a hub and spoke model with locations taking responsibility for specific tests within the trust. This can save costs, but potentially could also result in a reduced service in the spoke settings.
Placing a Quantum Blue reader in spoke settings enables for single tests to be performed when there a requirement for a rapid result to help support clinical decision making and giving a result that will correlate with the other BÜHLMANN assays, be that the fCAL® turbo, fCAL® ELISA or the IBDoc®.
It is simple to use in either the clinic or laboratory setting.
- Based on established lateral flow technology
- Quantitative measurement of Calprotectin in faecal samples
- Results in 12 minutes
- Excellent correlation with other BÜHLMANN Calprotectin assays
- Simple, rapid extraction and test process
- Unilateral connectivity to LIMs via dedicated middleware
- Compact benchtop reader with touch screen or optional barcode data entry
- Results directly printable or downloadable to USB
- There are two kits available for testing calprotectin in stool samples:
The excellent correlation to the more automated laboratory methods enables the Quantum Blue to support the pathology consolidation ‘hub & spoke’ model. The main hub lab may be running the fCAL ELISA or the fCAL turbo method, but the spoke settings can have a Quantum Blue reader for testing urgent samples supporting the calprotectin service across the healthcare network.
Correlation Across the Healthcare Network:
Correlation of the Quantum Blue Calprotectin Test and the BÜHLMANN fCAL ELISA:
Correlation of the Quantum Blue Calprotectin Test and the BÜHLMANN fCAL turbo:
“This rapid bedside test can facilitate clinical decisions on hospital admission, such as deciding whether the IBD treatment should be intensified. Similarly, in the ambulatory setting, it is crucial when determining whether a patient should undergo endoscopy or not”
Moniuszko et al., Polish Archives of Internal Medicine 2017
Buy Online
| Quantum Blue Calprotectin Product Information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Quantum Blue® fCAL High Range | Quantum Blue® fCAL Extended | Quantum Blue™ Reader III | Quantum Blue™ Reader II |
| Time to result | 15 min (approx.) | 12 min (approx.) | – | – |
| Sample Type | Faeces | Faeces | Faeces | Faeces |
| Standard Range | 100-1800 µg/g | 30-1000 µg/g | – | – |
| Sensitivity | <100 µg/g | <30 µg/g | – | – |
| Controls (Included) | 0.5ml each (High/low) | 0.5ml each (High/low) | – | – |
| Pack Size | 25 Tests | 25 Tests | 1 | 1 |
| Product Code | LF-CHR25 | LF-CALE25 | BI-POCTR-ABS3 | BI-POCTR-ABS |
Applications
Quantum Blue® fCAL provides the perfect solution when calprotecin test requests are low or when a result is required rapidly within point-of-care (POCT) applications. It utilises a highly specific monoclonal antibody in a cassette based lateral flow assay that is read on a small desk top instrument.
Its simplicity and ease-of use fits well into the clinic setting providing a triage type assessment. This can help guide the clinician’s decision on proceeding with further investigation such as colonoscopy or investigating at a dietary and lifestyle solution for suspected Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers.
In addition a calprotectin POCT is helpful for monitoring known Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, being useful in predicting flares and managing therapy regimes.
The extended range kit (LF-CALE25) (30-1000µg/g) for use with Quantum Blue Two second generation instruments and above (Serial no. >1000) enables diagnosis and monitoring within a single test format to simplify procedures and improve stock management.
Four Easy Steps to a Quantitative Result with Quantum Blue® fCAL
1. The Quantum Blue® Calprotectin assays are fully compatible with the BÜHLMANN stool extraction device CALEX® Cap.
2. A defined amount of stool extract is loaded onto the sample loading port of the test cassette.
3. Immediately after loading, the timer is started which controls the incubation time and reads the casette automatically.
4. At the end, the test result is displayed in µg/g. The Quantum Blue® Reader is ready for the next sample.
Benefits
When testing volumes are low or a rapid indication of the calprotectin level is required, the Quantum Blue makes an excellent solution that can be performed in either the clinic or the laboratory setting:
- Can be used in spoke settings to support clinical decision making when a rapid result is required
- Can be used to help triage endoscopy lists
“This rapid bedside test can facilitate clinical decisions on hospital admission, such as deciding whether the IBD treatment should be intensified. Similarly, in the ambulatory setting, it is crucial when determining whether a patient should undergo endoscopy or not”
Moniuszko et al., Polish Archives of Internal Medicine 2017
The Quantum Blue reader is also an ideal solution for private gastroenterology clinics enabling discussions to take place on an appropriate investigative or treatment pathways immediately (IBS or IBD), alleviating anxiety and meeting patient expectations of immediate results from private consultation.
- Simple and rapid extraction and test process
- Quantitative results within 12 minutes
- Excellent correlation with the BÜHLMANN Calprotectin fCAL ELISA and the fCAL turbo
- Two kit formats available for faecal calprotectin dependent on diagnostic or monitoring applications:
- Quantum Blue® fCAL High Range (LF-CHR25) – measurable range 100-1800µg/g
- Quantum Blue® fCAL Extended Range (LF-CALE25) – measurable range 30-1000µg/g
- No need for batch testing – cassettes are individually packaged
- New QB III reader has touch screen data input and can be linked to the LIMs system so that results can go into the electronic patient record
Quantum Blue is also available for Calprotectin in Serum and therapeutic drug and antibody monitoring for infliximab and adalimumab.
Case Studies
Why Wait for Results? The Benefits of Rapid and Point-of-Care Monitoring of Therapeutic Drugs
Biochemical testing to support clinical decision making is essential, but certain analytes are still not routinely tested in-house. For these,…
From BÜHLMANN Quantum Blue® to fCAL turbo®
Follow the Evolution of Calprotectin Testing at James Cook University Hospital This interview with Mr Andrew Teggert, Clinical Scientist, James Cook University…
Out of Africa: Using Faecal Calprotectin Assays in the African Setting and Screening for Intestinal Schistosomiasis
Professor Russell Stothard and Dr Amaya Bustinduy Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Our…
The Pitfalls of Diagnosing IBS without Checking Calprotectin
In this case study, Arne Roseth reflects on a case last year where he met a patient who’d been wrongly…
Point of Care Testing for Calprotectin
Dr Sean Nugent, Consultant Gastroenterologist,of The Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland, talks to us about his introduction of the Quantum Blue…
Royal Berks takes a Quantum Leap
In autumn 2010, the Clinical Chemistry Dept at the Royal Berkshire Hospital decided to evaluate the Quantum Blue Calprotectin test.…
Videos
BÜHLMANN Quantum Blue® 3rd Generation fCAL Tutorial
New – Quantum Blue® 3rd Generation Reader
Posters
Fecal calprotectin as a non-invasive indicator for ulcerative colitis disease activity in the Korean cohort
FC level showed significant correlation with the disease activity of UC, endoscopic indices and other serum inflammatory biomarkers in the Korean cohort. UCEIS showed a better correlation with FC level than Mayo endoscopic subscore. Fecal calprotectin could be used as a reliable non-invasive indicator to evaluate the disease activity and mucosal healing of UC.
Lee et al. (2017) ECCO European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. Poster P148
Home smart-phone based measurement of fecal calprotectin by IBD patients: correlation with laboratory assay and applicability as patient-friendly monitoring tool
Despite some numeric quantitative divergence, the results of the home fecal calprotectin test (IBDoc) correlate well with values-ranges obtained using conventional lab-based calprotectin test. Smart-phone based fecal calprotectin test may be a useful patient-friendly tool for monitoring of IBD patients at home, with minimal interference to their routine.
Ungar et al. (2017) ECCO European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. Poster P181
Fecal calprotectin is elevated with clinical disease activity during pregnancy in women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Women with IBD who had clinically active disease during preconception and pregnancy had higher fecal calprotectin levels than women who had clinically inactive disease. Fecal calprotectin has the potential to be used as a biomarker for assessing disease activity during pregnancy in women with IBD.
Huang et al (2015) ECCO European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. Poster P279
Calprotectin and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) Isle of Wight Experience
Calprotectin is a useful marker in ruling out IBD and stratifying patients with suspected IBD that require further investigation and rapid access for colonoscopy
Faecal Calprotectin is a Cost-Effective Method of Assessing Activity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Publications
