Ruling out IBD: Estimation of the possible economic effects of pre-endoscopic screening with F-calprotectin

ObjectivesTo estimate the possible economic effects of a sequential testing strategy with F-calprotectin to minimize colonoscopies.Design and methodsRetrospective study in a third party payer perspective. The costs were calculated from initial F-calprotectin test results of 3639 patients. Two cut-off levels were used: 50 μg/g feces and 100 μg/g feces, respectively. The cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy was estimated through the short-term cost avoidance and reduction in demand for colonoscopies.ResultsThe estimated demand for colonoscopies was reduced by 50% with the 50 μg/g cut-off and 67% with the 100 μg/g cut-off. This corresponded to a cost avoidance of approximately €1.57 million and €2.13 million, respectively.ConclusionsThe use of F-calprotectin as a screening test substantially could reduce the number of invasive measurements necessary in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected IBD, as well as the associated costs.

► We estimated the potential effects of using F-calprotectin to screen for IBD.
► The testing strategy would lead to a reduction in colonoscopies.
► F-calprotectin prescreening could reduce the cost of diagnosing IBD.