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Test Code CDFPCR C difficile by PCR

Important Note

Inpatient C. diff ordering changes: 1. No repeat testing on inpatient when the patient has been tested within the last 7 days. 2. No repeat testing on patient with a positive C. diff in same inpatient admission 3. Testing not indicated on: Patient admitted greater than three days, patient has not had more than three stools in last 24 hours, or patient has received laxatives/promotility agents in the last 48 hours.

Infectious

Methodology

Cepheid GeneXpert (PCR)

CPT

87493

Specimen Type

Unformed Stool

Preferred Collection Container

STL-CUP

Collection Volume

5 mL

Minimum Collection Volume

1 mL

Collection Instructions

Unformed stool only. Collect a single stool specimen in a sterile specimen container.

Transport

Room Temperature

Rejection Criteria

Formed stool, colon washings; Specimens kept at Room Temperature greater than 24 hours; Refrigerated specimens > 5 days; Multiple specimens; Specimen contaminated with urine; Improper container; Specimen obtained during colonoscopy; Specimen obtained post bowel preparation; Specimen on outside of container; Incomplete requisition; Unlabeled specimen; Stool that has been frozen; Patient admitted greater than three days but has not had more than three stools in last 24 hours, or has received laxatives/promotility agents in the last 48 hours.

Specimen Storage and Stability

Specimen may be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours.Refrigerated: 5 days

Turn Around Time

4 hours

Lab Department

Microbiology

EPIC Code

LAB3030

Acceptable Collection Container

Sterile Cup

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday, 24 hours

STAT Availability

Yes

LOINC

54067-4

Test Information

Test detects the toxin B gene by PCR and provides a presumptive determination or the presence or absence of the "hypervirulent" 027/NAP1/BI strain.

Reference Range: Toxigenic C. difficile: Negative; 027/NAP1: Presumptive Negative