Clostridium Difficile Screen w/Reflex to Toxin PCR

Test Code

CDTSC

Alias/See Also

C. difficile Screen w/Reflex to Toxin PCR

Preferred Specimen

0.5 mL or 200 mg Stool

Instructions

Enzyme Immunoassay. Test for detection of Clostridium difficile Antigen and Toxin A & B in stool specimens. Fresh stool samples are preferred. If there is a delay in transport, the specimen may be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freeze if longer than 3 days. Negative result does not rule out the possibility of infection. Does not differentiate between toxins. Antigen positive, Toxin negative samples will reflex to C. difficle toxin PCR.

Transport Container

No preservative, clean leak proof specimen cup

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

72 hours at 2-8°C

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

New Clostridium difficile Screening Test – because of the increased sensitivity & specificity, a single diarrheal stool is tested.

Three separate specimens are no longer necessary. The test is recommended for patients with 3 or more watery, loose or

unformed stools per day. Repeat testing, following a positive test is not recommended because patients can carry toxigenic

C. difficile for months after clinical cure. All formed specimens for CDT testing will be rejected.

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.