C Difficile Screen by PCR

Message

Formed or hard stool will be rejected. Repeat testing of previously positive patients not recommended.

Test Code

CDSPCR

Alias/See Also

C difficile toxin A/B screen by PCR

CPT Codes
87493

Preferred Specimen

Liquid or soft stool

Minimum Volume

5 mL

Instructions

Collect fresh stool in sterile, plastic, leakproof container without medium, preservative, or metal ion. For patients requiring the use of diapers, first line the diaper with clean plastic to prevent absorption. Then transfer 5 g or 5 mL of the stool specimen from the plastic lined diaper to the sterile container. Do not submit the diaper itself. Cap securely. Do not use M4 transport medium. Do not use any preservative, transport medium, or additive.

Transport Container

Sterile, leak proof container

Clean Stool Vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

3 days at 4ºC

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

Formed or hard stools, swab specimens

Methodology
Detects gene for C. diff toxin

Setup Schedule

When received from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Report Available

2 to 12 hours

Limitations

Fecal specimens submitted in any preservative cannot be evaluated.

Last Updated: October 15, 2024

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.