CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE TOXIN DETECTION

Message

Please see the link below under additional information for the test change update.

Test Code

LAB253

CPT Codes
87324

Includes

Test includes toxin B gene PCR and/or C. difficile toxins A & B immunoassay.

Preferred Specimen

Fresh stool in leak-proof container

Instructions

Make sure specimen container is labeled with patient name/hospital number (i.e., Optio label). Only liquid stool is appropriate for testing. Fecal samples contaminated with urine are sub-optimal but will be accepted for testing in the event that noncontaminated specimens are unobtainable.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Must be delivered to laboratory ASAP.
Refrigerate: < 72 hours from collection to testing
Frozen: > 72 hours from collection to testing

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Prior positive result within the past 2 weeks. Formed stool (i.e. specimen must take the shape of its container). Duplicate testing requested within 24 hours. Any specimen collected 48 hours from the time that the order was placed. Any specimen from a patient < 2 years of age. Testing may require consultation with Medical Director due to high carriage rates in this population.

Methodology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR, Cephid C. difficile nucleic acid test for toxin B and/or immunoassay (C. difficile toxins A & B)

Setup Schedule

Sunday-Saturday

Reference Range

Negative

Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Berkeley Medical Center
Jefferson Medical Center
Summersville Regional Medical Center
United Hospital Center

Additional Information
Test Notification

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.