C.Difficile (Tcdb) Gene By Pcr

Message

Due to increased sensitivity of test method, previous positive patients will not be re-tested on same admission or for outpatient setting, 14 days since initial test. Additionally, patients with negative results will not be re-tested until seven days after initial test result.

For additional information regarding appropriate testing and infection control practices see:

http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/cdiff/Cohen-IDSA-SHEA-CDI-guidelines-2010.pdf

Test Code

CDIFPCR

CPT Codes
87493

Preferred Specimen

Stool

Minimum Volume

50 uL

Instructions

Liquid or non-formed stool (takes shape of container) only. Transport in sterile container free of preservative.

Transport Container

Sterile container - no preservative.

Transport Temperature

2-25C

Specimen Stability

15-30C: 2 DAYS. 2-8C: 5 DAYS.

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

Sample collected in preservative or delay in transport beyond specimen stability. Formed stoods are not acceptable.

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Setup Schedule

Monday-Friday performed twice daily (morning and evening).

Saturday, Sunday, and holidays performed afternoon.

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Negative.

Clinical Significance

Clostridium difficile is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and pseudomembraneous colitis.

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.