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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

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.  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.

Transport

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

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

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