The University of Queensland has found a stool test that measures protein can reduce the number of patients undergoing colonoscopies, reducing costs for individuals and the health system.
University of Queensland researcher Dr Yoon-Kyo An says levels of the calprotectin protein in poo can differentiate between gastrointestinal diseases.
He said, “by conducting a simple stool test, doctors can rule out further invasive examinations for patients with normal levels of the protein, and refer those with high levels to specialists to rule out organic gastrointestinal disease.”