The independent platform for news, articles and advice for professionals in laboratory medicine

Calprotectin and elastase: update on faecal testing for gastrointestinal diseases

Screening of faecal samples for blood and microorganisms is commonplace, yet testing that can distinguish irritable from inflammatory bowel conditions, and detect pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. is equally important, as this review illustrates.

Gastrointestinal disease, including conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; most commonly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease and food allergy, is a significant healthcare burden on the NHS. Gastrointestinal symptoms are one of the most common complaints patients present with and frequently these symptoms are representative of several gastrointestinal diseases, making it difficult to diagnose on a clinical history alone.

In terms of symptoms, IBS and IBD are the two gastrointestinal diseases that are most similar. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea, bloating, anaemia, fatigue and depression. However, IBS and IBD are somewhat different in terms of pathology, treatment options, prevalence, prognosis and quality of life.

               

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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