Calprotectin enters the stool whilst it is contact with the gut wall, and the concentration will vary depending on the transit time of the gut contents. If things are moving rapidly then it may not collect much calprotectin! For this reason it is recommended that the first stool of the day is used – this is likely to have been in the gut overnight and so should contain the highest level of calprotectin. If the first stool isn’t possible then use a sample where there has been a reasonable time between bowel movements.
Empty the bladder before collecting the sample to avoid contamination and dilution with urine. The sample must not come into contact with the toilet water which may contain chemicals that could influence the test result.
Methods for Collecting a Stool Sample:
- Fe-Col – a paper loop that fits around the toilet seat and can be flushed away when finished. Watch the video
- Put cling film (loosely to form a dip but not touching the water) under the toilet seat, attached to the porcelain and put the seat back down. Once the sample has been taken the excess can be allowed to fall into the toilet for disposal. Do NOT flush the cling film as this will cause blockages
- Use a clean take away container, foil dish or paper plate to catch the sample. Excess sample can be tipped into the toilet, and the container disposed of appropriately
- Lift the seat and place a cat litter bag (or other large opening plastic bag) over the porcelain and put the seat back down to hold in place whilst the sample is taken. Excess sample can be tipped into the toilet but the bag must not be flushed
Faecal Sample Collection using Fe-Col
Calprotectin is not evenly distributed in the stool sample, so a sensible amount needs to be sent to the laboratory for testing – too little and there may be no calprotectin in the portion sent. Half fill the sample container with stool and seal tightly – ensure your full name and the date is on the pot. Please don’t completely fill the container in case of leaks!
Return the sample to the surgery/hospital within 24 hours.
Instructions
How to Take a Calprotectin Sample Using a Container:
How to Take a Calprotectin Sample Directly into CALEX:
