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Test Code CDFPCR C difficile by PCR

Important Note

All Positive C. diff PCR tests will be automatically reflexed to have c. diff toxin testing performed. Both results will be reported together.

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

Specimen Type

Unformed Stool

Preferred Collection Container

STL-CUP

Collection Instructions

Unformed stool only. Collect a single stool specimen in a sterile specimen container.  Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 1 hour of collection if kept at room temperature. If > than 1 hour, sample must be sent refrigerated or on-ice.

Collection Volume

5 mL

Minimum Collection Volume

1 mL

Rejection Criteria

Formed stool, colon washings; Specimens kept at Room Temperature greater than 1 hour after collection; Refrigerated specimens > 72 hours; 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 1 hour; Refrigerated: 72 hours

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday, 24 hours

CPT

87493

EPIC Code

LAB3030

Methodology

Cepheid GeneXpert (PCR)

Acceptable Collection Container

Sterile Cup

Transport

Room Temperature within one hour of collection.  If greater than one hour after collection, must send  refrigerated or on ice.

STAT Availability

Yes

Turn Around Time

4 hours

LOINC

54067-4

Lab Department

Microbiology

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