Fecal Lactoferrin Test

1. Objective


The objective of this test was to detect the presence of lactoferrin in stool, which served as a marker for intestinal inflammation, particularly in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

2. Principle

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein released by activated neutrophils. In cases of mucosal inflammation, lactoferrin levels increase and are excreted in the stool. The test was performed using either a lateral flow immunoassay (rapid test) or an ELISA, which detected lactoferrin through antigen-antibody binding.

3. Materials

  • Fresh stool sample (sterile container)

  • Fecal lactoferrin rapid test kit or ELISA kit

  • Buffer solution

  • Pipettes and tips

  • Test cassette or ELISA microwell plate

  • Timer

  • Gloves and lab bench setup

4. Procedure

A. Rapid Test (Lateral Flow)

  1. Stool was diluted in a buffer using the provided extraction tube.

  2. 2–3 drops of the extracted sample were added to the test cassette.

  3. The result was read after 10–15 minutes. A test line indicated the presence of lactoferrin.

B. ELISA Method

  1. The prepared sample was loaded into the ELISA plate.

  2. Reagents were added in sequence according to kit instructions.

  3. After incubation and washing steps, the plate was read at 450 nm.

  4. The concentration of lactoferrin was calculated against standards.

5. Result (Example)

Lactoferrin Level Interpretation
<7.25 µg/mL Normal (No inflammation)
>7.25 µg/mL Elevated (Inflammation)

  • Test Result: 25.4 µg/mL

  • Interpretation: Positive — Suggests active intestinal inflammation (possible IBD)

6. Uses

  • Differentiated between IBD and non-inflammatory conditions like IBS

  • Aided in evaluating disease activity in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

  • Monitored response to treatment

7. Conclusion

The Fecal Lactoferrin Test was a non-invasive, accurate biomarker for detecting neutrophil-driven intestinal inflammation, supporting the diagnosis and monitoring of IBD.


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