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C. difficile Toxin B PCR

Test Code
CDIFF


Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB253

C. difficile
C difficile
Clostridium difficile
Clostridioides


Includes

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the amplification and detection of C. difficile toxin B gene DNA




Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Fecal
Collection Container: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 3 mL



 




Minimum Volume
3 mL


Instructions
  1. Submit stool in a dry, sterile, container (ensure that container is closed tightly to prevent leaks).
  2. Apply patient identification label.


Note: Stool submitted in Cary Blair media is unacceptable for this assay. Stool that Is not loose enough to take the shape of the container is not acceptable for this assay.



Transport Container
Sterile container


Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable




Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Room temperature sample submitted >24 hours from collection time, Formed/Solid stool samples submitted, Repeat order within 7 days (without laboratory approval), Improperly labeled specimen, insufficient volume, specimen not submitted in appropriate transport container.


Methodology
Real-time polymerase chain reaction for the amplification and detection of C. difficile toxin B gene DNA


Setup Schedule
Daily


Report Available

1-2 days




Limitations

This assay detects the presence of a toxin gene. A positive does not indicate that toxin is being produced. This assay does not distinguish between viable and non-viable organisms. Test results are to be used in conjunction with information available from the patient clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures.
Colonization at rates up to 50% and higher have been reported in infants and rates up to 32% in cystic fibrosis patients.




Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031



Last Updated: May 25, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, May 25, 2023


The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.