Lactoferrin |
|
Non-invasive differentiation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) |
|
Benefits
| • | 90% specific for identifying inflammation in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease |
| • | Highly specific in ruling out irritable bowel syndrome |
| • | Reduces the need for invasive procedures |
| • | Higher level of patient acceptance than endoscopy |
Clinical Summary
An estimated 30 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder characterized by:
| • | crampy abdominal pain |
| • | bloating |
| • | constipation |
| • | and/or diarrhea |
The same clinical picture may be seen in individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD).
| • | Collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) affect more than 1 million Americans. |
| • | Although individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience severe discomfort and require symptomatic treatment, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may develop rectal bleeding and permanent intestinal damage. |
| • | Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently require long-term steroid therapy and immunosuppressive agents. |
| • | Consequently, distinguishing IBS from IBD is critical for patient management. |
In patients with active IBD, lactoferrin, a proven marker of inflammation, is released from leukocytes infiltrating the intestinal mucosa.
| • | Fecal lactoferrin tends to be elevated in patients with active IBD, it is minimally present in patients with IBS. |
| • | In the stool of patients presenting with symptoms of IBD, lactoferrin is 86% sensitive and 100% specific in distinguishing IBD from IBS, thus making fecal lactoferrin an important diagnostic tool.1 |
The evaluation of fecal lactoferrin offers a safe, non-invasive, accurate method to quickly differentiate IBD from IBS once infectious causes of intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer are ruled out.
A positive fecal lactoferrin result can be complemented by the Quest Diagnostics' Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differentiation Panel (separate order code) to assist in distinguishing UC from CD.
Specimen Requirements
| • | Stool sample in screw-cap container. |
| • | Needs to be frozen within 48 hours. |
Online Resources for Healthcare Professionals
| • | View this Lactoferrin information in a PDF format |
| • | Access our online Test Menu |
| • | Simplify test ordering and results reporting with Care360™ |
| • | Stay informed with articles from the Quest Diagnostics Physician's Update Newsletter |
Online Test Information for Your Patients
Your patients can learn about health conditions and laboratory tests in our online Patient Health Library. The library is founded on evidence-based information, provides printer friendly formats, and includes topics such as:
| • | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | |
| • | Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | |
| – | Crohn's Disease | |
| – | Ulcerative Colitis | |
| • | Ask-the-Doctor Checklist | |
| • | Work in Partnership with Your Doctor | |
| • | Share in Every Medical Decision | |
| • | Healthwise Self-Care Checklist | |
| • | Making Wise Health Decisions | |
Contact a Quest Diagnostics Sales Representative, learn more about our testing services, and become a client
| • | Contact a physician sales representative |
| • | Contact a hospital sales representative or learn about our complete hospital offerings |
* The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.
References
1Am J Gastroenterol. 2003;98:1309-1314.
