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Test Code SOFT: CDTOX Clostridium difficile Toxin PCR

Important Note

As of March 30, 2022, SFMC has transitioned C. difficile testing algorithm. The initial test will be the C. difficile PCR (CDTOX) and will reflex to the C. difficile toxin EIA test if the PCR result is positive.  

In the setting of an ileus with high suspicion of C. difficile disease, a formed stool may be sent down for testing if unable to obtain an unformed specimen.  Please call microbiology (x5804) and notify them prior to sending down a formed specimen or the specimen will be rejected.

Additional Codes

Ordering Mnemonic

EPIC NAME: CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE BY PCR

EPIC CODE; LAB2009

 

 

Performing Laboratory

Saint Francis Medical Center-Microbiology

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Unpreserved Diarrheal Stool 
Note:  Inpatient samples should be obtained within 3 days of admission to the hospital.

Container/Tube: Stool container (Supply T288)

Specimen Volume: Representative portion of stool

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

 

Reject Due To: 
Formed stool, stool in Cary blair, or swab specimens will not be acceptable for testing.

 

 

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient 1day/Refrigerated 5 days

Reference Values

Not applicable- a percentage of the adult population may be colonized with but not have infection with C difficile that produces toxin

Criticle value (automatic call back): Positive- precautions to be put in place on inpatients.

Note: performance characteristics not established for patients less than 2 years of age.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87493

Reporting Title

C. difficile Toxin PCR

Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reation (PCR) Using Cepheid GeneXpert System

Note: This is used as a reflex test for toxin results from an indeterminate result on a C diff screen.