The SmarTest Calprotectin Home app also analyses the test results. When the timer expires the patient is alerted to scan their lateral flow test using their device, which reads the intensity of the control and test lines on the lateral flow test strip and displays the results in the app in real time. Results are stored within the app and if the app is connected to a healthcare team’s competence centre, the results will also be automatically synced with the patient’s healthcare team.

Patients are enrolled in the Competence Centre where a Patient Information Sheet containing a patient-specific QR code gets automatically generated. Give this to the patient once they have been inducted into the SmarTest Calprotectin test programme, and they can simply connect their SmarTest Calprotectin app to the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) team’s Competence Centre by scanning the QR code using their app. Once connected to the Competence Centre, all faecal calprotectin test results and disease activity questionnaire responses will be synchronised automatically with the Competence Centre, collated, and monitored. The SmarTest bowel inflammation test is simple to use for the patient and the medical monitoring team. IBD clinical teams can register with the Preventis Web Portal free of charge. Once registered they can create their Competence Centre(s) within the portal. Their Competence Centre is the central hub where clinicians manage users and patients, and view test results. Patients’ faecal calprotectin results and their responses to the IBD disease activity questionnaire are automatically uploaded together to the portal. This enables clinicians to not only monitor inflammatory bowel disease markers, but also to understand the type and severity of symptoms that patient is experiencing. Having the ability to monitor patients, and become alerted to increasing or high calprotectin levels remotely, offers convenience for both the patient and the medical team.The hospital or clinic staff will explain any risks or complications of each test. They may ask you to sign a consent form to make sure you understand the risks and agree to have the procedure done. Once you have started taking laxatives, stay near a toilet. You will usually get diarrhoea a few hours after taking the first sachet. You may also get some abdominal cramps.

Your colon needs to be completely clean (empty of poo) for the sigmoidoscopy so the specialist can get a clear view. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are used to make red blood cells. Both vitamin B12 and folic acid are absorbed into the body in the small bowel (small intestine). People who have had their ileum (the last part of the small bowel) removed or who have inflammation in that area can have difficulties absorbing vitamin B12 from food. This means that many people with Crohn’s, and some with Colitis, may have a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. When having a vitamin B12 and folic acid test, your doctor will ask about any medicines you are taking. Vitamin D Low vitamin D levels. People with IBD are at risk for a low level of vitamin D. The reasons for this are unclear, but some studies have shown that having low levels of vitamin D could be part of triggering a flare-up. Finding out you have a long-term condition can trigger lots of different feelings and emotions. Almost half of people living with Crohn’s or Colitis say it has affected their mental health. Our Mental health and wellbeing information can help you understand the ways your condition may affect you emotionally, and has tips on looking after yourself.Your stomach must be empty for the endoscopist to get a clear view. You will be asked not to eat anything for at least six hours before the test. Your appointment letter should have more information but ask the hospital or clinic staff if you are unsure or have any questions. During the gastroscopy