What is a FCAL Stool Test for?

A FCAL stool test, or fecal calprotectin test, is a diagnostic tool used to measure the level of calprotectin in stool samples. Calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells during inflammation, making this test useful for detecting inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Elevated levels of calprotectin can indicate intestinal inflammation, helping healthcare providers differentiate between IBD and non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The test is non-invasive and provides valuable information to guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.