Faeces C. diff. Toxin

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Testing Laboratory

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

FG

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2913

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

A fresh specimen is required

Registration

DO NOT OPEN the specimen bag. Place the labels in the pocket ONLY.

Test Adds Requirement

Microbiology will test add CDS if required

Sample Stability

24 hours

Synonyms

Faecal CDT
Faecal Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen Type

  • Faecal

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Faeces Container (White Lid)
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Faeces Container (White Lid)
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Specimen collection and transport:
1. Half fill a faeces specimen jar and send it to the Laboratory as soon as possible. Faecal pathogens are labile and do not survive well after collection. Select blood stained or mucoid portion. Rectal swabs are not generally acceptable.
2. Clinical details MUST include date of admission, date of onset of illness, all antibiotics administered currently, or in the preceding fortnight, and any recent overseas travel, as this can determine how the specimen is processed.
3. Two specimens are sufficient to establish a bacterial and most parasitic causes of diarrhoea. Occasionally, more may be required: consult the Microbiologist.
4. Once a causative agent has been established, no further specimens are necessary, except in the case of S.typhi.
5. C. difficile (toxin): specifically request this test. A fresh specimen is required.
6. Patients who develop diarrhoea 3 days or more after hospitalisation should not be tested routinely for enteric pathogens except C. difficile.
7. Requests for parasite examination must mention relevant clinical details such as eosinophilia, recent travel, HIV, chronic diarrhoea, immigration or unexplained weight loss.

Last updated: 13/11/2026