{"id":59252,"date":"2023-04-24T14:37:53","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T12:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/testen\/intestinal-inflammation-calprotectin-%ce%b2-defensin-2\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T17:04:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T15:04:11","slug":"intestinal-inflammation-calprotectin-%ce%b2-defensin-2","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/intestinal-inflammation-calprotectin-%ce%b2-defensin-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Intestinal Inflammation Laboratory Test (Calprotectin + \u03b2-Defensin-2)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\" id=\"wpb-content-root\">[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-hero&#8221; el_id=&#8221;ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-hero__inner\">\n<span class=\"dk-eyebrow\">Stool testing<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Calprotectin and Beta-Defensin-2 \u2013 test for intestinal inflammation<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dk-lead\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dk-hero__note\">By testing both values, you gain <strong>more insight into possible inflammatory processes<\/strong> in your intestines and whether further testing may be useful.<\/p>\n<details class=\"dk-quicknav\">\n<summary class=\"dk-quicknav__summary\">\n    <span class=\"dk-quicknav__summary-label\"><br \/>\n      <strong>Quick links<\/strong><br \/>\n      <span class=\"dk-quicknav__state dk-quicknav__state--closed\">show<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"dk-quicknav__state dk-quicknav__state--open\">hide<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"dk-quicknav__chevron\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><br \/>\n  <\/summary>\n<div class=\"dk-quicknav__body\">\n<p class=\"dk-quicknav__intro\">Go directly to the information you are looking for.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dk-quicknav__links\">\n      <a href=\"#wanneer-geschikt\">When suitable?<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#wat-onderzoeken-we\">What do we test?<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#wat-vertelt-de-uitslag\">What does the result tell you?<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#onderzochte-waarden\">Values tested<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#hoe-werkt-de-test\">How does the test work?<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#uitslag-en-vervolgstappen\">Result and next steps<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#veelgestelde-vragen\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#contact-over-de-test\">Contact<\/a><br \/>\n      <a href=\"#test-aanvragen\">Order the test<\/a>\n    <\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;wanneer-geschikt&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>When is this test suitable?<\/h2>\n<p>Targeted stool testing for inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-card\">\n<ul>\n<li>For persistent or recurring diarrhoea, abdominal pain or changes in stool.<\/li>\n<li>When you want to investigate whether inflammatory activity may be playing a role in your gastrointestinal complaints.<\/li>\n<li>As additional testing for symptoms resembling irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).<\/li>\n<li>When you have previously had abnormal inflammatory values and want targeted additional testing.<\/li>\n<li>If you specifically want insight into both inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-callout\" style=\"margin-top:18px;\">\n<p><strong>Please note:<\/strong> if there is blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or other alarm symptoms, assessment by a doctor is the appropriate first step.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;wat-onderzoeken-we&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>What do we test?<\/h2>\n<p>Two stool markers that each provide information about the intestine from a different perspective.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-grid dk-grid--2\">\n<div class=\"dk-product-card\">\n<h3>Calprotectin<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-product-card\">\n<h3>Beta-defensin-2<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-callout\" style=\"margin-top:18px;\">\n<p>The test focuses on these two substances and is not a general test for intestinal bacteria, parasites or food intolerances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;wat-vertelt-de-uitslag&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>What can the result tell you?<\/h2>\n<p>The combination provides information about inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-card\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-callout\" style=\"margin-top:18px;\">\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> 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\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;onderzochte-waarden&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Explanation of the values tested<\/h2>\n<p>What calprotectin and beta-defensin-2 can each indicate.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-grid dk-grid--2\">\n<div class=\"dk-product-card\">\n<h3>Calprotectin<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-product-card\">\n<h3>Beta-defensin-2<\/h3>\n<p>Beta-defensin-2 is a natural defence substance produced by various body cells, including cells of the intestinal wall.<\/p>\n<p>This substance helps protect against microorganisms and forms part of the initial immune response of the intestinal mucosa.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;hoe-werkt-de-test&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>How does the test work?<\/h2>\n<p>From collecting the sample at home to reporting both values.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-card\">\n<ol>\n<li>You order the test and receive the necessary sampling materials with instructions.<\/li>\n<li>You collect a small amount of stool at home.<\/li>\n<li>You package and send the sample according to the instructions provided.<\/li>\n<li>The laboratory measures calprotectin and beta-defensin-2.<\/li>\n<li>You receive a report with the measured values and the corresponding reference ranges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;uitslag-en-vervolgstappen&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Result and next steps<\/h2>\n<p>How the result can help determine whether repeat testing or medical follow-up is needed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-card\">\n<p>Your report shows the individual values for calprotectin and beta-defensin-2, with the reference values for the laboratory method used.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The appropriate next step depends on your symptoms, medical history and any previous results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;veelgestelde-vragen&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p>Answers to frequently asked questions about calprotectin and beta-defensin-2 in stool.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_tta_accordion style=&#8221;modern&#8221; shape=&#8221;rounded&#8221; color=&#8221;white&#8221; spacing=&#8221;4&#8243; gap=&#8221;3&#8243; c_icon=&#8221;chevron&#8221; c_position=&#8221;right&#8221; active_section=&#8221;-1&#8243; collapsible_all=&#8221;true&#8221;]\n[vc_tta_section title=&#8221;What is the advantage of combining these two markers?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;ontsteking-faq-01&#8243;]\n[vc_column_text]\nCalprotectin 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.<br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_tta_section]\n[vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Can this test distinguish between IBS and intestinal inflammation?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;ontsteking-faq-02&#8243;]\n[vc_column_text]\nCalprotectin 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.<br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_tta_section]\n[vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Can beta-defensin-2 show whether the inflammation is in the small or large intestine?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;ontsteking-faq-03&#8243;]\n[vc_column_text]\nNo, 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.<br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_tta_section]\n[vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Can a normal result completely rule out intestinal inflammation?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;ontsteking-faq-04&#8243;]\n[vc_column_text]\nNo. 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.<br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_tta_section]\n[vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Can medication affect the result?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;ontsteking-faq-05&#8243;]\n[vc_column_text]\nYes. 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.<br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_tta_section]\n[vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Is special preparation required?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;ontsteking-faq-06&#8243;]\n[vc_column_text]\nUsually no special diet is required. Always follow the supplied sampling and shipping instructions. The final preparation is adapted to the current laboratory method.<br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_tta_section]\n[\/vc_tta_accordion]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;contact-over-de-test&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Questions about this test?<\/h2>\n<p>Contact us if you are unsure whether this targeted inflammation test is sufficient.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-callout\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_btn title=&#8221;Contact us&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#478BAE&#8221; custom_text=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; shape=&#8221;round&#8221; el_class=&#8221;dk-readmore&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.darmklachten.nl%2Fen%2Fcontact%2F|&#8221;]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> Back to top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n[vc_row el_class=&#8221;dk-section dk-anchor-section&#8221; el_id=&#8221;test-aanvragen&#8221;][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading\">\n<div class=\"dk-category-heading__accent\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Order Calprotectin and Beta-Defensin-2<\/h2>\n<p>Targeted stool testing for inflammatory activity and the immune response of the intestinal mucosa.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dk-callout\">\n<p><strong>Would you like to investigate whether there are indications of inflammatory activity in your intestines?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This test combines calprotectin and beta-defensin-2 to provide more insight into inflammatory activity and the response of the intestinal mucosa.<\/p>\n<p>You can order the test at the top of this page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;dk-backtotop-wrap&#8221;]\n<a class=\"dk-backtotop\" href=\"#ontstekingsonderzoek-productinformatie\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span> To top<\/a><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text]\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This laboratory test is a <strong>targeted first step to gain insight into possible inflammatory activity in the intestines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Calprotectin<\/strong> is a widely used marker for active intestinal inflammation. <strong>\u03b2-Defensin-2<\/strong> provides additional information about the local immune response of the intestinal wall.<\/p>\n<p>This laboratory test measures:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Calprotectin<\/li>\n<li>\u03b2-Defensin-2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/intestinal-inflammation-lactoferrin-transferrin\/\">lactoferrin\/ transferrin<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":59254,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[191,164],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-59252","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-inflammation","product_cat-modules-3","pa_aandoening-abnormal-gut-flora","pa_aandoening-blastocystosis-infection-with-blastocystis-hominis","pa_aandoening-cholangitis","pa_aandoening-cholecystitis","pa_aandoening-colorectal-cancer","pa_aandoening-dientamoebiasis-infection-with-dientamoeba-fragilis","pa_aandoening-gallstones","pa_aandoening-helicobacteriosis-helicobacter-pylori-infection","pa_aandoening-irritable-bowel-syndrome-spastic-colon","pa_aandoening-leaky-gut","pa_aandoening-stomach-ulcer","pa_symptoom-black-stool","pa_symptoom-bloating","pa_symptoom-blood-in-stool","pa_symptoom-chronic-diarrhea","pa_symptoom-diarrhea","pa_symptoom-fatigue-2","pa_symptoom-fatty-stool","pa_symptoom-flatulence","pa_symptoom-hair-loss","pa_symptoom-heart-palpitations","pa_symptoom-increased-urgency-and-fecal-incontinence","pa_symptoom-mucus-in-stool","pa_symptoom-overweight","pa_symptoom-pale-stool","pa_symptoom-rumbling-bowels","pa_symptoom-soft-mushy-stools","pa_symptoom-weight-loss","entry","has-media","first","instock","taxable","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-simple","col","wpex-woo-entry","span_1_of_3 span_1_of_2_tl span_1_of_2_tp span_1_of_1_pl span_1_of_1_pp"],"bundled_by":[],"bundle_stock_status":"instock","bundle_stock_quantity":null,"bundle_virtual":false,"bundle_layout":"","bundle_add_to_cart_form_location":"","bundle_editable_in_cart":false,"bundle_sold_individually_context":"","bundle_item_grouping":"","bundle_min_size":"","bundle_max_size":"","bundle_price":[],"bundled_items":[],"bundle_sell_ids":[],"acf":[],"wcpa_form_fields":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/59252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=59252"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=59252"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=59252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}