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Unit Code 91560:
Lactoferrin Detection

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Reference Values

Negative

 

Human lactoferrin is secreted by most mucosal membranes and

is a major component of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during

an inflammatory response. During intestinal inflammation,

leukocytes migrate to the mucosa and infiltrate the intestinal

lumen, increasing the level of fecal lactoferrin. Inflammatory bowel

disease (IBD) is comprised of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's

disease, both of which are highly inflammatory and are

diagnosed by ruling out infectious agents and other potential

causes of inflammation. This test for the qualitative detection of

elevated levels of fecal lactoferrin can help to identify patients

with active IBD and rule out those with active irritable bowel

syndrome, which does not involve intestinal inflammation. This

test can also be used as an indicator of inflammatory diarrhea

caused by the presence of a bacterial pathogen. A positive

test result indicates that the specimen contains elevated levels

of lactoferrin.


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