Fecal Calprotectin Test Price in Bangladesh – 2025 Updated
The Fecal Calprotectin Test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool designed to measure calprotectin levels in a stool sample, helping detect inflammation in the intestines. This test is crucial for distinguishing between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s often recommended for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool, which may indicate intestinal inflammation. In Bangladesh, the Fecal Calprotectin Test price in Bangladesh typically ranges from 1000 to 3000 BDT, though exact costs vary by facility and are often not publicly listed online.
What is a Fecal Calprotectin Test?
The Fecal Calprotectin Test measures the concentration of calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the stool, indicating inflammation in the intestines. This non-invasive test is highly valuable for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and differentiating them from non-inflammatory conditions such as IBS. Elevated calprotectin levels suggest inflammation, which could stem from IBD, bacterial infections, or, in rare cases, gastrointestinal malignancies like colorectal cancer. The test is also known as the stool calprotectin test or faecal calprotectin test and is widely used due to its high sensitivity and specificity, approximately 90%, for detecting intestinal inflammation (South Tees Hospitals).
Clinical Significance
- Measures Inflammation: Calprotectin is released by neutrophils during inflammation, making it a reliable biomarker.
- Diagnostic Tool: Helps differentiate IBD from IBS, reducing the need for invasive procedures like endoscopy in some cases.
- Monitoring: Tracks disease activity and treatment effectiveness in IBD patients.
Medical Conditions Requiring the Test
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis.
- Bacterial Infections: Certain infections can elevate calprotectin levels.
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies: Rarely, elevated levels may indicate colorectal cancer.
- Chronic Symptoms: Persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding.
When is a Fecal Calprotectin Test Recommended?
The Fecal Calprotectin Test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of intestinal inflammation. Doctors use it for both diagnostic and monitoring purposes, particularly in the following scenarios:
Symptoms Warranting the Test
- Chronic or recurrent diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- Abdominal pain or cramping lasting more than a few days
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Diagnostic and Monitoring Uses
- Diagnosis: Helps distinguish between IBD and non-inflammatory conditions like IBS, which typically shows normal calprotectin levels (Gastrointestinal Society).
- Monitoring: Assesses disease activity in IBD patients and evaluates treatment effectiveness.
- Screening: While not primarily a screening tool, it may guide further diagnostic procedures like colonoscopy.
Doctors interpret results alongside other tests, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), to confirm diagnoses or monitor disease progression.
Fecal Calprotectin Test Preparation
Preparing for a Fecal Calprotectin Test is straightforward, with minimal requirements to ensure accurate results. Here’s what you need to know:
Preparation Requirements
- No Fasting Needed: The test does not require fasting, making it convenient for patients.
- Medication Restrictions: Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, for at least 48 hours before the test, as they can falsely elevate calprotectin levels (MedlinePlus).
- Lifestyle Factors: Refrain from alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours prior, as these may skew results (Healthline).
Sample Collection Process
- Container: Use a clean, sterile container provided by your healthcare provider or laboratory.
- Collection: Collect a small stool sample (about the size of a walnut) without contamination from urine or water.
- Storage: Return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within 3 days, as it may become untestable afterward (Healthline).
- Instructions: Follow specific guidelines from your doctor or lab to ensure accuracy.
The test itself is quick, with sample collection taking only a few minutes at home or in a facility.
Fecal Calprotectin Test Price List in Government Hospitals in Bangladesh
Exact prices for the Fecal Calprotectin Test in government hospitals are not widely available online, as many facilities do not publish detailed diagnostic test price lists. Below is a table of major government hospitals in Bangladesh where the test may be offered. For accurate pricing as of June 2025, contact the hospitals directly.
| Hospital Name | Location | Fecal Calprotectin Test Price (BDT) | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) | Dhaka | Not available online | +8802223013500 |
| Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) | Dhaka | Not available online | +880251661240 |
| Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) | Chittagong | Not available online | +880312520000 |
| Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) | Rajshahi | Not available online | +880721754100 |
| Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital (SSMCMH) | Dhaka | Not available online | +8802223361121 |
| Pabna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) | Pabna | Not available online | +88073163200 |
| Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) | Mymensingh | Not available online | +8809167871 |
Note: Prices are not publicly listed online. Contact the hospitals for up-to-date information. Government hospitals typically offer lower prices compared to private facilities, but availability of specialized tests like Fecal Calprotectin may vary.
Fecal Calprotectin Test Price List in Private Hospitals in Bangladesh
Similarly, private hospitals and diagnostic centers in Bangladesh do not consistently publish prices for the Fecal Calprotectin Test online. Below is a table of major private facilities where the test may be available. For current pricing in 2025, reach out to these facilities directly.
| Hospital/Diagnostic Center | Location | Fecal Calprotectin Test Price (BDT) | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Hospitals Ltd. | Dhaka | Not available online | +8801611111111 |
| United Hospital Ltd. | Dhaka | Not available online | +88028424714 |
| Apollo Hospitals Dhaka | Dhaka | Not available online | +880258900000 |
| Evercare Hospital Chattogram | Chittagong | Not available online | +880312520000 |
| Imperial Hospital Ltd. | Dhaka | Not available online | +88029666666 |
| LabAid Hospital | Dhaka | Not available online | +880258955555 |
| Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd. | Dhaka | Not available online | +8801713030303 |
| American Bangla Medical College Hospital | Dhaka | Not available online | +880255055055 |
| Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute | Dhaka | Not available online | +88028122000 |
| Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Hospital | Dhaka | Not available online | +88028122000 |
Note: Prices are not publicly listed online. Contact the facilities for up-to-date information. Private hospitals may charge higher prices than government facilities, often ranging from 1000 to 3000 BDT based on general diagnostic test trends.
Understanding Fecal Calprotectin Test Results
Fecal Calprotectin Test results are reported in micrograms per gram (μg/g) of stool, providing insight into intestinal inflammation levels. Here’s how to interpret them:
Normal Range
- Normal: Less than 50 μg/g, indicating minimal or no inflammation (MedlinePlus).
- Borderline: 50–150 μg/g, suggesting mild inflammation that may require further monitoring.
- High: Above 150 μg/g, indicating significant inflammation, often associated with IBD or infections.
Note: Normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, so consult your doctor for precise interpretation.
What Abnormal Results Indicate
- Elevated Levels: Suggest IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), bacterial infections, or, rarely, gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Limitations: High levels indicate inflammation but not the specific cause, necessitating further tests like colonoscopy (Medical News Today).
Factors Affecting Results
- Medications: NSAIDs can falsely elevate calprotectin levels.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections may increase levels.
- Age: Children under two may have naturally higher levels, affecting result interpretation (Labcorp).
When to Consult a Doctor
If results are borderline or high, or if symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain persist, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional tests or treatments to identify the underlying cause and manage your condition effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the accuracy of the Fecal Calprotectin Test?
The test is highly accurate, with approximately 90% sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing IBD from IBS, making it a reliable diagnostic tool (South Tees Hospitals).
How long does it take to get the test results?
Results are typically available within 3–7 days, depending on the laboratory’s processing time.
Is the test covered by insurance in Bangladesh?
Insurance coverage varies by provider and policy. Contact your insurance company to confirm if the Fecal Calprotectin Test is covered.
How often should the test be done for monitoring IBD?
Frequency depends on your condition and doctor’s advice, often every 3–6 months for active IBD monitoring.
What is the difference between the Fecal Calprotectin Test and other stool tests?
Unlike tests for blood, parasites, or bacteria, this test specifically measures calprotectin to detect inflammation, making it unique for IBD diagnosis (Testing.com).
Can diet affect the test results?
Diet typically does not impact calprotectin levels, but follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications or lifestyle factors.
Is the test painful or invasive?
The test is non-invasive and painless, requiring only a stool sample collected at home or in a facility.
Conclusion
The Fecal Calprotectin Test is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing inflammatory bowel diseases, offering a non-invasive way to detect intestinal inflammation. Understanding its purpose, preparation, and result interpretation empowers you to take control of your health. In Bangladesh, comparing Fecal Calprotectin Test prices in Bangladesh across government and private facilities is key to finding affordable, quality care. Since prices are not widely available online, contact hospitals or diagnostic centers directly for the latest information. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if this test is right for you and to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
