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C. Difficile Toxin by PCR
MessagePositive CDPCR reflex to CDFAB (Clostridium Difficile Toxin A and B EIA)
Test Code
CDPCR
Alias/See Also
CDIF, Clostridium Difficile, CDIFF, C. Dif, C. DIFF
CPT Codes
87798
Preferred Specimen
Stool: Collect the unformed stool (Liquid or soft stool) specimen in a clean container. Avoid mixing with toilet water, paper, and soap.
Patient Preparation
Instructions
Collect Fecal/Stool materia (unformed, liquid or soft stool) in a “STERILE SPECIMEN CONTAINER". Avoid mixing with toilet water, paper, and soap.
- For hospital patients (>3 days in facility) who develop diarrhea-Order C. Difficile.
- Test not performed on “hard” stool- stool. Specimen should be soft or liquid enough to conform to the shape of the container.
- Test no more than 1 specimen every 5-7 days.
- Send to lab immediately for refrigeration.
Specimen Stability
Specimen is stable for up to 5 days when stored at 2-8ºC.
Specimens can be kept at room temperature (20-30ºC) for up to 24 hours.
Specimens can be kept at room temperature (20-30ºC) for up to 24 hours.
Methodology
PCR
Setup Schedule
24x7
Report Available
Approximately 12 hours
Reference Range
Negative
Clinical Significance
Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, gram-positive bacillus that is the leading cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in health care facilities. Incidence of CDI has been increasing, and severe cases are becoming more common. CDI disease symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis, and even bowel perforation and death. The most common risk factor is exposure to antibiotics.
The diagnosis of C. difficile infection is based upon clinical signs and symptoms, such as diarrhea, as well as laboratory tests or pathologic finding consistent with toxigenic C. difficile. It appears that Toxin B is necessary for the development of CDI. PCR methods for the detection of toxin A and/or toxin B have been developed and have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity as compared to toxigenic culture, cell cytotoxicity and immunoassays.
The diagnosis of C. difficile infection is based upon clinical signs and symptoms, such as diarrhea, as well as laboratory tests or pathologic finding consistent with toxigenic C. difficile. It appears that Toxin B is necessary for the development of CDI. PCR methods for the detection of toxin A and/or toxin B have been developed and have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity as compared to toxigenic culture, cell cytotoxicity and immunoassays.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Microbiology Laboratory
CCMC Laboratory
Additional Information
CDIFF Algorithm
