Testing for IBD

LABORATORY CALPROTECTIN TESTS

Here are some laboratory calprotectin tests you might want to find out more about:

ï Lateral Flow Test ï ELISA ï Turbidimetric test

CALPROTECTIN: LATERAL FLOW TEST

In the laboratory, the faecal sample is prepared in the extraction device and the resulting liquid is applied to the calprotectin lateral flow device.

This works in the same way as the lateral flow test for Coronavirus, it uses antibodies on a membrane to detect and capture the Calprotectin protein.

Alpha Laboratories supplies these lateral flow cassettes.

It also provides laboratories with a machine that can be used to read the results. This is called the ‘Quantum Blue ® ’. Click the thumbnail to watch the Quantum Blue in action.

The instrument reads the ‘intensity’ of the colour on the test line of any positive result.

This enables the laboratory to quantify the amount of that protein in the sample (Quantification). The higher the amount of calprotectin, the brighter the intensity of the test line.