{"id":59274,"date":"2023-04-03T14:37:25","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T12:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/testen\/intestinal-inflammation-lactoferrin-transferrin\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T20:07:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T18:07:05","slug":"intestinal-inflammation-lactoferrin-transferrin","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/intestinal-inflammation-lactoferrin-transferrin\/","title":{"rendered":"Intestinal inflammation test (Lactoferrin + Transferrin)"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Intestinal inflammation test (Lactoferrin + Transferrin)<\/h1>\n

This stool test analyses two values that can provide additional information about inflammatory activity and possible blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lactoferrin<\/strong> is a marker of inflammatory activity in the intestines. Transferrin<\/strong> can be found in stool when there is blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

The combination of these measurements can be useful for persistent intestinal complaints when you want more insight into possible inflammatory activity or blood loss. The test does not diagnose conditions such as Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis, but an abnormal result can be a reason for additional investigation.<\/p>\n

When is this test suitable?<\/h2>\n

This test may be considered, for example, in cases of:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • persistent or recurring diarrhoea;<\/li>\n
  • abdominal pain together with changes in the stool;<\/li>\n
  • mucus in the stool;<\/li>\n
  • suspected inflammatory activity in the intestine;<\/li>\n
  • intestinal complaints for which previous testing has not yet provided a clear explanation;<\/li>\n
  • follow-up of a previously abnormal inflammation marker;<\/li>\n
  • a need for additional testing alongside other stool analyses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Do you have visible blood in the stool, black tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, anaemia, severe abdominal pain or rapidly increasing complaints? Assessment by a doctor is then more important than ordering this test yourself.<\/p>\n

    What do we test?<\/h2>\n

    We analyse two values in a stool sample:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Lactoferrin<\/strong> \u2013 a marker of inflammatory activity in the intestinal tract.<\/li>\n
    • Transferrin<\/strong> \u2013 a blood protein that can be found in stool when there is blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      You collect a stool sample at home. The sample is then analysed in the laboratory.<\/p>\n

      What can the result tell you?<\/h2>\n

      An increased lactoferrin value<\/strong> may be consistent with an active inflammatory response in the intestine. Lactoferrin can be increased in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis. Other causes of intestinal inflammation can also lead to an increase.<\/p>\n

      An abnormal transferrin value<\/strong> may indicate the presence of blood in the gastrointestinal tract. The result by itself does not show where the blood loss is coming from or what is causing it.<\/p>\n

      When neither value is increased, these two markers provide no clear indications of the processes this test is intended to investigate. However, a normal result does not rule out every intestinal condition or every form of inflammation or blood loss.<\/p>\n

      This test can therefore mainly be used as additional testing. With abnormal values or persistent complaints, further investigation may be necessary.<\/p>\n

      Explanation of the values tested<\/h2>\n

      Lactoferrin<\/h3>\n

      Lactoferrin is a protein that is present, among other places, in certain white blood cells. During an inflammatory response, these immune cells move to the inflamed tissue. This can increase the amount of lactoferrin in the stool.<\/p>\n

      Lactoferrin in stool is therefore used as a marker of inflammatory activity in the intestinal tract.<\/p>\n

      An increased value can be seen in active inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, the value is not specific to one particular condition. Lactoferrin alone therefore cannot establish the cause of an inflammation.<\/p>\n

      Transferrin<\/h3>\n

      Transferrin is a protein normally found in blood and plays an important role in transporting iron through the body.<\/p>\n

      When blood enters the gastrointestinal tract, transferrin can be detected in the stool. An abnormal value can therefore be an indication of blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

      There can be various causes of blood loss. The transferrin value does not indicate where the bleeding is located and does not diagnose, for example, a stomach ulcer, intestinal inflammation, polyp or tumour.<\/p>\n

      How does the test work?<\/h2>\n

      After your order, you receive the materials needed to collect a stool sample at home.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • You collect a small amount of stool at home according to the supplied instructions.<\/li>\n
      • You package and send the sample according to the stated shipping instructions.<\/li>\n
      • The stool sample is analysed in the laboratory for lactoferrin and transferrin.<\/li>\n
      • After processing, you receive the result with the measured values and the corresponding interpretation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        For a reliable result, it is important to follow the instructions for collection, storage and shipping carefully.<\/p>\n

        Results and next steps<\/h2>\n

        The result shows whether the values tested fall within or outside the reference ranges used.<\/p>\n

        With an increased lactoferrin value<\/strong>, it may be useful to investigate further what is causing the inflammatory activity in the intestine. Depending on your complaints and previous tests, additional testing for other inflammatory markers, infections or other intestinal conditions may be relevant.<\/p>\n

        With an abnormal transferrin value<\/strong>, it is important to assess the possible presence of blood loss in relation to your complaints. Especially with visible blood loss, black stools, anaemia or other alarm symptoms, discussion with your GP or treating doctor is recommended.<\/p>\n

        The most appropriate next step depends on your complaints, medical history and any previous test results.<\/p>\n

        Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

        What exactly does the Intestinal Inflammation Test detect?<\/h3>\n

        The test measures lactoferrin and transferrin in stool. Lactoferrin provides information about inflammatory activity in the intestinal tract. Transferrin can provide an indication of blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

        Can this test show whether I have Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis?<\/h3>\n

        No. An increased lactoferrin value can occur with these conditions, but this test cannot make a diagnosis. A diagnosis requires your complaints, your medical history and usually additional testing.<\/p>\n

        What is the difference between lactoferrin and calprotectin?<\/h3>\n

        Lactoferrin and calprotectin are both markers related to the activity of inflammatory cells in the intestinal tract. Calprotectin is widely used when assessing and monitoring intestinal inflammation. Lactoferrin is another stool marker that can provide additional information about inflammatory activity in the intestine.<\/p>\n

        Why is transferrin tested?<\/h3>\n

        Transferrin is a protein normally found in blood. When transferrin is found in stool, this may be consistent with blood loss somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

        Can the test show where blood loss comes from?<\/h3>\n

        No. The presence of transferrin can indicate blood loss, but the test cannot locate the source or determine the cause.<\/p>\n

        Can a normal result rule out an intestinal problem?<\/h3>\n

        No. This test analyses two specific markers. A normal result does not rule out other causes of intestinal complaints.<\/p>\n

        Is preparation required?<\/h3>\n

        Always follow the sampling instructions supplied with the test carefully. Any conditions concerning medication, diet, menstruation, storage or shipping are stated in the current instructions.<\/p>\n

        Help choosing the right test<\/h2>\n

        Are you unsure whether the Intestinal Inflammation Test matches your complaints, or whether a more extensive stool test would be better suited to your situation? Contact us. We are happy to help you make an appropriate choice.<\/p>\n

        Would you like more insight into possible inflammatory activity or blood loss in the intestines? Order the Intestinal Inflammation Test.<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        This test analyses two important markers in stool that provide information about inflammatory activity and possible blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

        Lactoferrin<\/strong> is a protein released during inflammatory activity in the intestines. An increased value can occur with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis.<\/p>\n

        Transferrin<\/strong> is a protein that can be detected in stool when there is blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.<\/p>\n

        This laboratory test determines:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Lactoferrin<\/li>\n
        • Transferrin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          The result can help provide better insight into possible inflammation or blood loss in the intestines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":59276,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[191,164],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-59274","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-inflammation","product_cat-modules-3","pa_aandoening-colorectal-cancer","pa_aandoening-irritable-bowel-syndrome-spastic-colon","pa_aandoening-leaky-gut","pa_symptoom-black-stool","pa_symptoom-bloating","pa_symptoom-blood-in-stool","pa_symptoom-depression","pa_symptoom-fatigue-2","pa_symptoom-fatty-stool","pa_symptoom-flatulence","pa_symptoom-pale-stool","pa_symptoom-soft-mushy-stools","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\/59274","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\/59276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=59274"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=59274"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=59274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}