Intestinal Inflammation Laboratory Test (Calprotectin + β-Defensin-2)
€ 78,00
This laboratory test is a targeted first step to gain insight into possible inflammatory activity in the intestines.
Calprotectin is a widely used marker for active intestinal inflammation. β-Defensin-2 provides additional information about the local immune response of the intestinal wall.
This laboratory test measures:
- Calprotectin
- β-Defensin-2
The combination provides targeted insight into inflammatory activity and the immune response in the intestine. If more detail is needed, this test can be combined with other inflammatory markers or with additional testing for blood loss, such as our supplementary test lactoferrin/ transferrin.
€ 78,00
Description
Calprotectin and Beta-Defensin-2 – test for intestinal inflammation
Do you have persistent gastrointestinal complaints and want to know whether there are indications of inflammation in your intestines? This stool test measures two substances that provide information about inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal wall. Calprotectin is an important marker for intestinal inflammation. Beta-defensin-2 provides additional information about the response of the intestinal mucosa.
By testing both values, you gain more insight into possible inflammatory processes in your intestines and whether further testing may be useful.
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When is this test suitable?
Targeted stool testing for inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.
- For persistent or recurring diarrhoea, abdominal pain or changes in stool.
- When you want to investigate whether inflammatory activity may be playing a role in your gastrointestinal complaints.
- As additional testing for symptoms resembling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- When you have previously had abnormal inflammatory values and want targeted additional testing.
- If you specifically want insight into both inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.
Please note: if there is blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or other alarm symptoms, assessment by a doctor is the appropriate first step.
What do we test?
Two stool markers that each provide information about the intestine from a different perspective.
Calprotectin
Calprotectin is a protein released mainly from certain white blood cells during inflammatory activity. An elevated value may indicate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the intestines.
Beta-defensin-2
Beta-defensin-2 is a naturally occurring antibacterial protein produced, among other places, by cells of the intestinal mucosa. The amount can change when the immune defence of the intestinal mucosa is activated.
The test focuses on these two substances and is not a general test for intestinal bacteria, parasites or food intolerances.
What can the result tell you?
The combination provides information about inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.
A normal calprotectin value makes active intestinal inflammation less likely. This can help assess whether symptoms are more consistent with a functional bowel disorder such as IBS.
An elevated calprotectin value indicates inflammatory activity. This may occur with chronic intestinal inflammation, but also, for example, with intestinal infections or the use of certain anti-inflammatory painkillers.
An elevated beta-defensin-2 value may be consistent with increased immune activity of the intestinal mucosa. This marker is less specific and is therefore interpreted as supplementary information.
Important: the combination can provide additional information, but does not on its own identify the cause or exact location of inflammation. It also cannot establish whether someone has Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Explanation of the values tested
What calprotectin and beta-defensin-2 can each indicate.
Calprotectin
Calprotectin is a protein found mainly in certain white blood cells. When these cells are involved in inflammation in the intestine, the amount of calprotectin in the stool can increase.
Calprotectin is widely used to help distinguish between gastrointestinal complaints with and without clear inflammatory activity. This marker is also used to monitor existing chronic intestinal inflammation.
The higher the value, the greater the suspicion of active inflammation generally is. However, its significance depends on the level of the result, the symptoms and any other tests.
Beta-defensin-2
Beta-defensin-2 is a natural defence substance produced by various body cells, including cells of the intestinal wall.
This substance helps protect against microorganisms and forms part of the initial immune response of the intestinal mucosa.
An elevated value may indicate an activated immune response. Research shows that beta-defensin-2 may be elevated in certain intestinal inflammations. However, the marker has not been sufficiently validated to determine on its own where in the intestine a condition is present.
How does the test work?
From collecting the sample at home to reporting both values.
- You order the test and receive the necessary sampling materials with instructions.
- You collect a small amount of stool at home.
- You package and send the sample according to the instructions provided.
- The laboratory measures calprotectin and beta-defensin-2.
- You receive a report with the measured values and the corresponding reference ranges.
Result and next steps
How the result can help determine whether repeat testing or medical follow-up is needed.
Your report shows the individual values for calprotectin and beta-defensin-2, with the reference values for the laboratory method used.
If the calprotectin value is slightly elevated, repeating the test may be useful, for example when a temporary infection or medication use may have influenced the result.
If values are clearly elevated or symptoms persist, consultation with your GP or specialist may be necessary. Depending on your situation, blood tests, stool testing for infections or an examination of the intestine with a camera may be considered.
The appropriate next step depends on your symptoms, medical history and any previous results.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about calprotectin and beta-defensin-2 in stool.
Calprotectin mainly provides information about inflammatory activity. Beta-defensin-2 also provides information about the immune response of the intestinal mucosa. The additional clinical value of this combination has not yet been sufficiently established.
Calprotectin in particular can help with this. In IBS, there is generally no active intestinal inflammation and calprotectin usually remains within the normal range. The test cannot diagnose IBS on its own.
No, not reliably. Beta-defensin-2 is produced, among other places, in the intestinal wall, but a stool value cannot determine the exact location of inflammation.
No. Especially with limited inflammation or inflammation mainly located in the small intestine, calprotectin may be less clearly elevated. If symptoms persist, additional testing may therefore still be necessary.
Yes. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can increase calprotectin. Discuss your medication use when the result is assessed and do not stop prescribed medication on your own initiative.
Usually no special diet is required. Always follow the supplied sampling and shipping instructions. The final preparation is adapted to the current laboratory method.
Questions about this test?
Contact us if you are unsure whether this targeted inflammation test is sufficient.
Are you unsure whether this targeted inflammation test is sufficient, or whether more extensive stool testing would better suit your symptoms? Contact Darmklachten.nl. We will be happy to help you choose an appropriate test.
Order Calprotectin and Beta-Defensin-2
Targeted stool testing for inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.
Would you like to investigate whether there are indications of inflammatory activity in your intestines?
This test combines calprotectin and beta-defensin-2 to provide more insight into inflammatory activity and the response of the intestinal mucosa.
You can order the test at the top of this page.
