You’re running to the bathroom, feeling like crap (literally), and your blood tests keep coming back "normal."
You start wondering: Am I crazy? Is this just stress? Am I missing something?
If that sounds familiar, let’s talk about the test that could change everything, one that most people and doctors don’t even think to mention early enough.
It’s called Faecal Calprotectin and if you’ve never heard of it before, trust me, you’re going to want to.
First Things First: What Even Is Faecal Calprotectin?
Faecal calprotectin is a protein that your body pumps out when your intestines are inflamed.
If your gut lining is irritated, angry, and damaged (like in IBD), calprotectin levels in your poop skyrocket.
If your gut is just a little twitchy from stress or food sensitivity (like in IBS), calprotectin stays pretty low.
It’s like a biological smoke alarm for serious gut inflammation.
The higher the number, the bigger the fire inside.
Why Faecal Calprotectin Matters So Freakin’ Much
Most early IBD cases don’t show up clearly on basic blood tests.
Your CRP could be normal. Your iron could be “a little low.”
Meanwhile, your gut could be in full crisis mode and you won’t catch it unless someone checks where the action is really happening: in your stool.
Fecal calprotectin helps tell the difference between:
✔️ IBS (no visible inflammation)
✔️ IBD (visible, dangerous inflammation)
What the Numbers Actually Mean
Here’s a rough guide to interpreting faecal calprotectin results:
- Under 50 = Normal. No major inflammation.
- 50–200 = Possible low-grade inflammation. Keep an eye on it.
- 200+ = Significant inflammation. Start raising eyebrows (and booking scopes).
- 500+ = Full-blown purple flag territory. Get referred to a gastroenterologist ASAP.
Note: Numbers can vary depending on labs and guidelines — but you get the vibe. Higher = more concerning.
How to Get Tested (Without Losing Your Mind)
- Ask for it specifically.
Don't assume your doctor will offer it, many don’t unless you demand it. - It’s a poop sample.
Yep, you have to collect it at home. It’s gross. It’s annoying. It’s also way less painful than years of misdiagnosis. - Results usually come back fast.
And they can guide whether you actually need a colonoscopy sooner rather than later.
What Faecal Calprotectin Can’t Do
⚡️ It can’t tell you exactly what kind of IBD you have (Crohn’s vs Ulcerative Colitis).
⚡️ It can’t replace a full colonoscopy if serious inflammation is found.
⚡️ It can’t cure anything — but it gives you one hell of a head start.
Think of it as the flashing neon sign that says:
"Hey doc, maybe we should actually look inside?"
The Bottom Line
If your gut is a hot mess, but your bloodwork looks "fine," you need to know about faecal calprotectin.
It’s one of the most powerful, under-used tools to catch IBD early before it bulldozes your life.
Advocate for it. Ask for it. Insist on it if your symptoms are throwing purple flags.
Note
This blog is based on personal experience and publicly available information. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for decisions about your health.
