The differential diagnosis for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the clinical presentation is similar, IBD is an inflammatory disease, while IBS is a noninflammatory disease. The usual approach is to develop a comprehensive clinical picture and family history, but without endoscopy or biopsy, it's virtually impossible to distinguish whether the patient is suffering from IBD or IBS. The stool calprotectin test (insert test name and ID) offers a noninvasive option to assess for localized inflammation, potentially eliminating the need for biopsy in patients with IBS.
A presentation by Melissa R Snyder, PhD
