FIT test - v - Faecal Calprotectin test

Just wondered what a high but still normal FIT result (9.8) and a very low Calprotectin result (6) would mean

The surgery have said that the tests are all normal so not to worry but I have just seen that my RBC is just below normal and MCV and MCH are both slightly above normal

I know one can't diagnose these things oneself but just wondered if I should go back to them

(I did my stool sample in the morning and wrapped it in toilet paper. Just as well because when I got to the surgery much later, I had no stools to pass so I used the morning's BUT all the liquid had been absorbed into the paper. That might explain things!) 

 

 

 

  • A FIT result below 10 means less than a 1% risk of cancer or significant polyp disease. Iron deficiency anaemia can skew the results a little but an iron deficiency anaemia would have a low MCV (mean corpusclar volume) meaning the red cells would be smaller than usual which is the opposite of your results.  Various things can give a raised MCV (red cells bigger than normal) including B vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, liver problems etc but remember that these values are average ranges so something just above the range wouldn't necessarily be alarming.

    Calprotectin measures inflammation in the bowel so a low level means you don't have significant inflammation in your bowel.

    If you are feeling poorly then you should make an appointment to discuss your symptoms with your GP. 

    If you are feeling well then you can be reassured :)

  • Thank you ever so much. I cannot imagine a more helpful reply than your explanation, and an encouraging one at that.