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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Clostridium difficile Cytotoxin Antibody Neutralization
Test Code34403
CPT Codes
87230
Preferred Specimen
2 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Stool • Other sterile body fluids • Received beyond stability • Received in inappropriate container
Methodology
Antibody Neutralization
Setup Schedule
Tuesday Morning Report available: 3 Days
Reference Range
<1:2 titer
Clinical Significance
Clostridium difficile is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Clinical symptoms range from mild diarrhea to toxic megacolon. Antibodies may be present in a majority of adults and older children. Antibody production has been reported to be associated with carriers who appear asymptomatic and with reduced risk of recurrent disease. Natural exposure antibody may be a positive prognostic sign for patients with C. difficile disease.
