Hidden service: NI hospital's battle against bowel conditions
A spotlight is being shone on the often hidden Regional Calprotectin Service at the Ulster Hospital, which plays a crucial role in the battle against bowel conditions across Northern Ireland.
Working behind the scenes around the clock, the service analyses more than 65,000 stool samples every year - and every sample is a patient who needs answers.
The service helps doctors distinguish between conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
It also supports the ongoing monitoring of patients with IBD, helping clinicians assess whether treatments are working effectively. South Eastern Trust, biomedical scientist, Georgia Dodsworth explained how the Regional Calprotectin Service works and why it is so important for patients.
“Calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells, such as neutrophils, when there is inflammation in the bowel”, she said.
"By measuring the level of calprotectin in a stool sample, we can help doctors distinguish between IBS, which does not cause inflammation and inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. “When a doctor requests the test, the patient provides a stool sample which is sent to our laboratory.
"We prepare the sample and analyse it using a specialised analyser and an immunoassay technique.
"The test measures the amount of calprotectin present and produces a result that helps clinicians determine whether further investigation or treatment may be needed. “Calprotectin testing is also valuable for patients who already have IBD. By monitoring their levels over time, doctors can assess whether treatment is working and whether there are signs of ongoing inflammation. “It is really rewarding to know that the work we do here supports patients and clinicians right across Northern Ireland.
"Having this Regional service based at the Ulster Hospital means we can provide an important diagnostic test that helps people get the answers and care they need. “World Pathology Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the contribution our laboratory teams make every day.” South Eastern Trust healthcare scientist associate practitioner, Poppy Holmes, highlighted the wider importance of laboratory services in supporting patient care. “Laboratory testing underpins so much of what happens in healthcare”, she explained.
"It gives doctors a clearer picture of what is happening inside a patient’s body and helps them make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. “Approximately 80% of diagnostics are carried out in the laboratory, so the work we do contributes to an enormous amount of patient care.
"Every sample we receive represents a person who needs answers and whose treatment may depend on the results we provide. “It is fantastic that the Ulster Hospital is home to the Regional Calprotectin Service, supporting patients with bowel conditions across Northern Ireland.
"Knowing that our work helps doctors diagnose conditions, monitor treatment and make decisions that improve patients’ lives makes being part of the laboratory team very rewarding.”