Private QCAL stool test measuring calprotectin and hidden blood to support assessment of gut inflammation.
QCAL (Calprotectin/QFIT stool test inflammatory marker and hidden blood)
£205.00
Description
QCAL Stool Test: gut inflammation marker + hidden blood (FIT/QFIT)
The QCAL test combines faecal calprotectin (an inflammatory marker) with FIT/QFIT (faecal immunochemical test for hidden blood).
It can help your clinician understand whether symptoms may be more consistent with inflammation and/or bleeding in the lower gut.
Two tests, one sample journey Calprotectin + FIT/QFIT collected at home.
Clear, clinician-friendly reportDownloadable results with guidance notes.
Fast turnaroundMost results in 2–5 working days after lab receipt.*
*Turnaround depends on courier and lab workload. This page is a template — update timelines to match your provider.
What is the QCAL test?
Calprotectin (faecal)
A protein released by white blood cells. Higher levels in stool can indicate inflammation in the gut.
- Often used to support triage between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functional disorders such as IBS.
- Can also rise with infections, NSAID use, and other inflammatory conditions.
FIT / QFIT (hidden blood)
A test for tiny amounts of human blood in stool that are not visible to the eye.
- Used in symptomatic assessment pathways to help guide urgency of onward investigation.
- Bleeding can have many causes (e.g., haemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps). Results must be interpreted clinically.
QCAL combines both markers in one private order, helping to provide a broader picture of possible
inflammation and/or hidden bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Who might consider QCAL?
Common reasons
- Persistent diarrhoea or ongoing abdominal pain
- Change in bowel habit
- Symptoms where your clinician is considering IBD vs IBS
- Monitoring known IBD (where clinically appropriate)
- Unexplained anaemia or low ferritin (as part of wider assessment)
When QCAL is not appropriate
- Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms (seek urgent medical care)
- Significant visible bleeding, black/tarry stools, or severe dehydration
- Recent major bowel surgery (unless advised by your specialist)
- If your GP has already arranged urgent investigations
Seek urgent help now
Call 999 or go to A&E for severe abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, black/tarry stools, chest pain, severe dehydration, or if you feel very unwell.
Speak to your GP promptly
Book urgent advice for persistent symptoms, weight loss, fever, night sweats, anaemia, or a strong family history of bowel cancer/IBD.
How ordering and home collection works
Order online Complete the short form and pay securely.
Receive your kit Posted to your UK address with full instructions.
Collect sample Use the collection device and label the pot(s).
Return to lab Send back using the included prepaid packaging.
Before you collect
- Read instructions fully and check kit expiry date.
- If you take NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen/naproxen) discuss with your clinician — they can affect calprotectin.
- Avoid contaminating the sample with urine or toilet water.
After you post
- You’ll receive email updates and a link to download your report.
- If results are significantly abnormal, we recommend contacting your GP/clinician promptly.
- Keep a symptom diary to discuss at your appointment.
Understanding your results
Your report will show numeric results for calprotectin and FIT/QFIT, alongside reference ranges used by the laboratory.
Interpretation depends on your age, symptoms, medication and clinical history.
Calprotectin – general guide
- Low/normal may make significant inflammation less likely (though not impossible).
- Borderline can occur; repeat testing may be advised depending on symptoms.
- High suggests gut inflammation and should be discussed with your clinician.
Always follow your clinician’s advice and the lab’s reference ranges.
FIT/QFIT – general guide
- Not detected/low reduces the likelihood of significant lower-GI bleeding, but does not rule out all disease.
- Detected should be assessed by a clinician — causes range from benign to serious.
- If you have visible bleeding, don’t wait for test results — seek medical advice.
We can’t interpret your results as a diagnosis on this page. If you’d like clinical interpretation, add an optional review appointment with a GP or gastroenterology clinician at checkout.
FAQ
Is QCAL the same as a cancer screening test?
No. FIT/QFIT measures hidden blood, which can be present for many reasons. It can help guide clinical decision-making, but it is not a standalone diagnosis or a replacement for medical assessment.
Can I take this test while on my period?
It’s usually best to avoid collecting stool samples during menstruation due to the risk of contamination with blood. If timing is difficult, ask your clinician or follow your kit instructions.
What if I have haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids can cause bleeding and may affect FIT/QFIT. Your clinician will interpret results in context. If bleeding is heavy or new/worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
How quickly will I get results?
Most people receive results within 2–5 working days after the laboratory receives the sample. Courier times vary.
Do you share my results with my GP?
Not automatically. You can download the report and share it with your GP. Some providers offer GP-sharing with your consent.
Calprotectin/QFIT
This test checks for presence of hidden blood in stool as well as inflammatory marker that can be associated with inflammation.
FIT is a quantitative immunochemical test specific for human globin released from lysed or broken down red cells.
qFIT testing uses specific antibodies against human haemoglobin and quantifies the amount of blood in stool without dietary restriction. Sample collection kits are easy to use.
Only one sample is required. If blood is detected, the patient will require follow-up tests to determine the reason for the presence of blood in the stool.
Results that are < 10 μgHb/g should be considered as negative in both patient groups and colorectal cancer is unlikely. For symptomatic patients the causes of their symptoms should be investigated further.
Results that are above the threshold (dependent on patient category) should be considered ‘positive’, and may warrant further investigation by gastroenterology consultants.
Please note: You will need to write your name and date of birth on the stool pot before collecting your sample and post to the lab everything received including the laboratory form.
This test can only be ordered on its own in checkout, please make sure that you don’t add any other tests alongside in one transaction.
Please note special qFIT stool container is required for this test please write your name and date of birth on the pot
Please print the form from your email and bring stool pot filled up to the top with stool sample the lab reception, 76 Wimpole Street, London W1G 9RT (a map is attached on the second page of the form). Opening hours 7 am-7pm Monday -Friday and 7am to 1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours samples (open 24/7) and postal samples can be directed to the Main laboratory The Halo Building, 1 Mabledon Place London, WC1H 9AX, UK
Please do not modify the form and do not enter any extra details into it (if you have any questions please ask)!
Results can be viewed in your account (https://ukallergy.carebit.co/patients/accounts/login)
If you want you can create an account yourself anytime or it will be created automatically when your results are ready.
