Extraction Device
“
Product Specifications:
- Product Name: CALEX Calprotectin Test
- Manufacturer: Alpha Laboratories Ltd
- Usage: Determine inflammation in the gut for differentiating
bowel disorders
Product Usage Instructions:
Sample Collection:
Your healthcare professional has asked you to perform a
calprotectin test to determine gut inflammation. Follow these steps
to collect the required faecal sample:
- Before you begin, write the date of sample collection, your
name, date of birth, and NHS number on the label provided. - Collect the faecal sample using one of the following methods:
- A clean takeaway container, paper/foil plate
- Use cling film over the toilet towards the back to create a dip
(do not flush after use) - A plastic bag or glove covering your hand
- Prepare the CALEX Cap by removing the sampling pin.
- Dip the sampling pin into the faeces and twist, repeating the
process in different places in the sample. - Ensure all grooves on the sampling pin are filled.
- Re-seal the CALEX Cap by replacing the sampling pin and pushing
it firmly into the locking position.
Important Notes:
- Do not use the CALEX beyond the expiry date.
- Avoid contact between the faecal sample and toilet water.
- Avoid urine contamination of the sample.
- Return the sample to your GP or hospital laboratory
promptly.
Safety Precautions:
Do not unscrew the blue cap as it contains a preservative that
may cause skin reactions. If irritation occurs, seek medical
advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I reuse the sampling pin for multiple collections?
A: No, each collection should use a new sampling pin to ensure
accurate results.
Q: What should I do if the sample collection process is
interrupted?
A: If your sample collection is interrupted, discard the current
sample and start a new collection with a fresh sampling pin.
“`
Direct Sampling with the CALEX® Extraction Device
Your Test Your healthcare professional has asked you to do a calprotectin test. This is used to determine if there is inflammation in your gut, which helps differentiate between different types of bowel disorders.
What Sample is Required? A faecal sample is required. It is advisable to use the first bowel movement of the day because this is likely to contain the highest level of calprotectin, if it is present.
Key Things to Remember Do not use the CALEX beyond the stated expiry
date. The faecal sample must not come into contact
with the toilet water due to bleaches and disinfectants. Do not get urine in the sample as this will dilute it. Read the instructions carefully before you start.
How to Collect Your Sample
BEFORE YOU BEGIN… Write the date of sample collection on the label. Also write your name, date of birth and NHS number if this is not already on the tube.
1. COLLECT THE FAECAL SAMPLE
There are a number of ways to
1
collect your faecal sample:
A clean takeaway container, paper/ foil plate.
Loosely draped cling film placed over the toilet towards the back to
form a dip. (Do not flush after use).
A plastic bag or glove covering your hand.
2
2. PREPARE THE CALEX CAP
Holding the CALEX Cap tube with
the white cap pointing upward
remove the sampling pin by
simultaneously turning clockwise
and pulling up the white cap.
3. TAKE THE SAMPLE
3
Dip the sampling pin into the faeces
and twist. Repeat this process three
to five times in different places in
the sample.
Scan the QR code to
watch a video on how
to deal with different
sample consistencies.
4
4. CHECK THE SAMPLE Make sure all the grooves are completely filled on the end of the sampling pin.
5
5. RE-SEAL THE CALEX CAP Replace the sampling pin back into the CALEX Cap tube and push firmly into the locking position (you will feel and hear two clicks).
6. DO THIS ONLY ONCE Once complete do not remove the sample pin or repeat the collection process as this will lead to inaccurate or incorrect results. Please return your sample in the plastic bag provided as quickly as possible to your GP or hospital laboratory.
DO NOT UNSCREW THE BLUE CAP Liquid contains preservative which may cause allergic skin reactions. If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
Checklist Ensure the white cap is replaced securely (you will hear two
clicks). Ensure the CALEX® tube is clearly labelled with your name,
date of sample collection, NHS number and date of birth. Put the CALEX® tube and the GP request form into the plastic
bag and return as directed to the GP or hospital laboratory, as quickly as possible.
Access to Alternative IFU Format Scan the QR code to visit our website where you can find different versions of the IFU, including: Narrated step-by-step. Explanations of the advisory symbols used within the kit can be found on the website: www.alphalabs.co.uk/kit-symbols
Alpha Laboratories Ltd 40 Parham Drive, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4NU, UK Tel: 023 8048 3000 | Email: kits@alphalabs.co.uk Web: www.alphalabs.co.uk Registered in England 1215816
Please Do NOT send the completed sample to this address
© Alpha Laboratories Ltd. – CALEX-CAL-CK020 IFU Version 3.0 WEB LARGE FONT
Documents / Resources
![]() |
CALEX Extraction Device [pdf] Instructions Extraction Device, Extraction, Device |