Name of the Procedure:

Lactoferrin, fecal; qualitative
Common Name: Fecal Lactoferrin Test

Summary

The fecal lactoferrin test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of lactoferrin in a stool sample. Lactoferrin is a protein that is released by white blood cells in the presence of inflammation in the intestines. This test helps to diagnose conditions that involve intestinal inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Purpose

The main purpose of the fecal lactoferrin test is to help diagnose and differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes of gastrointestinal symptoms. It is particularly useful in identifying conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (types of IBD). The test aims to provide an indication of whether further diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, are necessary.

Indications

• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms suggestive of IBD
• Monitoring disease activity in diagnosed cases of IBD

Preparation

• No special preparation is typically required.
• Patients may be advised to avoid certain medications, such as NSAIDs, that could affect test results.
• A randomized stool sample is usually sufficient for the test.

Procedure Description

1. Sample Collection:

   • The patient is provided with a sterile container to collect a small stool sample.

2. Laboratory Analysis:

   • The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is tested for the presence of lactoferrin using specialized equipment like an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
   • No anesthesia or sedation is needed as this is a non-invasive procedure.

Duration

• The stool collection process takes a few minutes.
• Laboratory analyses generally take a few hours to a few days, depending on the facility.

Setting

• Stool sample collection is done at home or in a healthcare facility.
• Laboratory analysis is performed in a diagnostic lab.

Personnel

• The patient's healthcare provider instructs on how to collect the sample.
• Medical laboratory technologists perform the analysis.

Risks and Complications

• There are no significant risks or complications associated with this non-invasive test.

Benefits

• Non-invasive and easy to perform.
• Helps to quickly identify potential inflammatory conditions of the intestines.
• Can guide further diagnostic and therapeutic steps.

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed as there is no direct intervention on the patient’s body.

Alternatives

• Fecal calprotectin test: Another stool test for inflammation.
• Colonoscopy and biopsy: More invasive procedures that provide visual and histological information.
• Blood tests for inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).

Each alternative has its own indications and may be used in conjunction with or instead of the fecal lactoferrin test depending on clinical judgment.

Patient Experience

• Patients may experience discomfort in collecting a stool sample, but otherwise, it is a straightforward process.
• No pain management is required.
• Comfort measures include clear instructions and possibly guidance on how to collect the sample to avoid contamination.