Fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases: Pros and cons

Table 2 The different methods for measuring fecal calprotectin, including their descriptions and key characteristics

Method	Description
ELISA	The most common method for fecal calprotectin measurement‎
	Detection achieved through enzyme-linked secondary antibodies to quantify calprotectin in ‎stool samples‎
	Provides quantitative results using colorimetric or fluorescent detection techniques
	Widely available and standardized
	High sensitivity and specificity
	Relatively expensive
	Requires laboratory equipment and trained personnel
Turbidimetric immunoassay	Measures turbidity produced when antibodies react with calprotectin in the stool sample
	Simple and automated, suitable for high-throughput analysis
Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay	Similar to ELISA but uses fluorescent markers to detect calprotectin-antibody complexes in the stool sample
	High sensitivity and specificity comparable to ELISA
	Faster than traditional ELISA
	Suitable for point-of-care testing
	Less widely available than ELISA
	Requires specialized equipment and trained personnel
Lateral flow immunoassay	Rapid and user-friendly method where stool migrates along a membrane containing immobilized antibodies specific to calprotectin
	Provides quick visual results
	Suitable for point-of-care settings or resource-limited environments
Chemiluminescent immunoassay	Utilizes chemiluminescent labels to detect calprotectin-antibody complexes in the stool sample.
	Often used in automated laboratory platforms for high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range of detection
Immunochromatographic tests	Similar to pregnancy tests, uses colored lines to indicate calprotectin levels
	Easy to use, requires minimal training
	Portable and potentially suitable for home use
	Less sensitive and specific than ELISA
	Requires visual interpretation, susceptible to user error
Mass spectrometry	A highly accurate and sensitive method for fecal calprotectin measurement
	Considered the gold standard for research but not widely used in clinical ‎practice‎
	Very expensive, complex technique, not readily available
Quantum dot-based assay	Utilizes quantum dots, nanocrystals that emit fluorescent signals, for measuring fecal calprotectin
	Offers enhanced sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction	Measures calprotectin mRNA in the stool sample, correlating with fecal calprotectin levels
	Provides‎ high sensitivity and specificity, suitable for research purposes
	Provides quantitative results
Point-of-care tests	Rapid tests performed at the clinic or even at home
	Faster results (minutes to hours)
	Convenient for patients and healthcare providers
	Lower sensitivity and specificity compared to ELISA
	Limited availability and higher cost per test

ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.