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Sample comparison of BÜHLMANN fCAL Turbo and OC-FCa faecal calprotectin methods.

Author(s): O'Driscoll S, Piggott C, Benton SC

Publication: Ann Clin Biochem, 2025, Vol. 62, Page 67-70

PubMed ID: 39093620 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   This study compared the calprotectin risk classification of case-matched homogenized and non-homogenized fecal specimens using two different specimen processing and analysis pathways: OC Sensor fCAL and the BUHLMANN fCAL Turbo. In total, 111 homogenized and 49 non-homogenized surplus, anonymized fecal specimens were obtained (details not provided). All specimens were thawed at room temperature for 1 h and loaded into both an OC-Auto Sampling Bottle 3 and a BUHLMANN CALEX Cap device. Non-homogenized specimens were analyzed the same day, while homogenized were stored overnight at 4°C, which fell within the manufacturer’s specifications. Calprotectin was quantified  in OC samples using an OC-Sensor Pledia analyser, in fCAL Turbo homogenized specimens  on a Roche Cobas 8000, and in fCAL Turbo non-homogenized specimens using an Abbott Alinity instrument. Specimens with <26 µg/g calprotectin were excluded from analysis. Calprotectin levels were classified as normal (<50 μg/g), borderline (50–150 μg/g), or elevated (>150 μg/g).

   Summary of Findings:

   Among homogenized fecal specimens, there was a positive bias of 67.3% when the OC Sensor fCAL (OC- Among homogenized fecal specimens, there was a positive bias of 67.3% when the OC Sensor fCAL (OC-FCa method was compared with the BUHLMANN fCAL Turbo method (P < 0.00001).  Among homogenized specimens, the agreement between the two methods that were classified as having normal (<50 μg/g), borderline (50-150 μg/g), and elevated (>150 μg/g) calprotectin were k = 0.794, k = 0.52, and k = 0.788, respectively. Among non-homogenized specimens, there was a positive bias of 88.4% when the OC-FCa method was compared with the fCAL Turbo method (P <0.0001).  The agreement between the two methods for non-homogenized specimens that were classified as normal (<50 μg/g), borderline (50-150 μg/g) and elevated (>150 μg/g) calprotectin were k = 0.02, k = 002, and k = 0.596, respectively.  The authors conclude that the OC-FCa method results in a positive bias in calprotectin levels compared to the fCAL Turbo method and thus cut-off values need to be adjusted accordingly. 

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Feces

   Preservative Types

   • Frozen

   Diagnoses:

   • Not specified
   • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Method of fluid acquisition	Different fecal collection procedures compared
   Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Specific	Technology platform	OC-FCa method BUHLMANN fCAL Turbo method
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Biospecimen mixing	Homogenized Not homogenized

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