Lactoferrin (feces)

General Information

Lactoferrin is a protein that binds to iron. It is present in mucous membrane secretions - saliva, tears, breast milk and others. Granulocytic leukocytes also contain lactoferrin. Their function is related to antibacterial activity.

Lactoferrin regulates the process of iron absorption from the intestine.

The detection of lactoferrin in the feces indicates the process of migration of leukocytes in response to inflammation in the intestinal wall.

The detection of lactoferrin in feces is important to detect the acute phase of the disease or exacerbation of chronic inflammation, in such diseases as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal diverticulitis.

Determination of lactoferrin provides an opportunity to differentiate functional (irritable bowel syndrome) and organic (inflammatory) lesions of the intestine.

Lactoferrin is also used to diagnose colorectal polyps and other bulky growths, as well as food intolerances.

Fecal lactoferrin, as well as calprotectin, is a sensitive marker for evaluating both the intensity of the intestinal inflammatory process and the effect of treatment.

When is the survey conducted?

• Differential diagnostics of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases
• Monitoring the intensity of inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Preparation of the patient: Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be stopped 48 hours before the collection of the research sample

Study sample: Feces

Reference boundaries

Negative: < 3 mg/l

Ambiguous: 3 – 7.3 mg/l

Positive: > 7.3 mg/l

Interpretation of results

Getting a positive indicator indicates the presence of inflammatory bowel disease