C. difficile By PCR (Stool)

Message

Patients experiencing 3 or more unformed stools within a 24 hour period should be tested for C. difficile.

Test Code

1236212500

Alias/See Also

C DIF
C DIFF
Clostridium
Genexpert
CDIF

CPT Codes
87493

Preferred Specimen

Stool collected in a sterile container

Instructions

1. Pass unformed stool directly into a clean, dry container. Unformed stool is stool that takes the shape of its container.
2. Secure cap.
3. Label specimen noting source of stool.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 5 days

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

Sources other than stool
Formed stool >/= 2 specimens per week
Improper specimen collection, storage, and transport

Reference Range

Negative

Performing Laboratory
Guthrie Clinic Lab
Corning Hospital Lab

Additional Information
Stool Collection Instructions

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.