Clostridioides difficile Toxin (Faeces)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

FDT

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2719

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 Hours

Synonyms

C. difficile
Clostridium difficile
Hospital Acquired Diarrhoea
C. diff toxin

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Specimens batch tested daily 7 days a week. Urgent tests outside of these hours may be done on consultation with the Clinical Microbiologist on call.

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

• Faeces Container (White Lid)

Additional Specimen Information

A separate sample is required - not to be shared with other faecal test requests. Send a minimum of 1 g of faeces to the laboratory immediately. The specimen should be received by the laboratory within 3 hours of collection, otherwise it should be refrigerated. If delivery time is likely to exceed 48 hours, the specimen should be frozen and transported on dry ice.

Rejection Criteria:
- Formed stool specimens.
- Specimens refrigerated for > 5 days.
- Repeat specimens collected within 14 days of a negative result.
- Repeat specimens collected within 30 days of a positive result.

Test Method

Detection of C. difficile in the laboratory is performed using several diagnostic testing algorithms for CDI involving both toxin gene detection and toxin production. The tests performed will depend on risk factors and other testing requested.

Limitations / Interference

Repeat testing or 'test of cure' serves no value as prolonged asymptomatic carriage in recovering or immune patients occurs. To assess response to treatment, clinical assessment is required. Repeat specimens from patients who have had positive C. difficile test within the last 30 days, will not be processed. If diarrhoea persists and C.difficile is suspected as a cause, please contact the clinical Microbiologist.

Clearance samples are not required and have no place in removing patients from Contact Precautions. Patients with formed stool generally do not need to be in Contact Precautions.

Relapse after completion of treatment occurs. Additional testing is not required if diarrhoea recurs. A further course of treatment is warranted.

Contact Information