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Test Code Billings Clinic: 6680 Clostridium Difficile, Stool

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory:  Microbiology

Useful For

Detection of the C. difficile antigen GDH as a screen for the presence of C. difficile. This test simultaneously confirms the presence of toxigenic C. difficile by detecting toxins A and B in fecal specimens. This will decrease the number of specimens requiring additional PCR testing to the rare occasions in which toxin is detected without the presence of GDH, in which case reflex PCR testing will be performed. This new testing methodology is intended to decrease the number of false positive seen in colonized carriers with the previous testing methodology.  As with other C. difficile tests, results should be considered in conjunction with the patient history and the potential of the patient to be a colonized carrier.

Methodology

The C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE® test is a rapid membrane enzyme immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of Clostridium difficile glutamate dehydrogenase antigen and toxins A and B in a single reaction well. The test uses antibodies specific for glutamate dehydrogenase and toxins A and B of C. difficile.

Specimen Requirements

Stool

  1. Submit raw or unformed stool in a clean, preservative-free container.
  2. If specimen is collected in a bedpan or collection “hat,” patient should urinate into another container before stool specimen is collected. Do not collect specimen from toilet.
  3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
  4. Store and transport specimen refrigerated.
  5. Specimen is stable for 3 days if refrigerated.
  6. If expected transport time is greater than 2 days, transport specimen frozen.

Reject Due To

  • Specimen in diaper
  • Leaking specimen container
  • Specimen contaminated with urine and/or water

Reference Values

Reference Value:

Negative

 

Interpretation:

  1. Toxigenic C. diff Positive
  2. Toxigenic C. diff Negative
  3. Toxigenic C. diff See PCR Report (Note: reflex to PCR will occur with the following result scenario: Negative GDH and a Positive Toxin)

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87324

87449

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code

Clostridium difficile

 79177-2

Clostridium difficile Toxin, Molecular Detection, PCR, Stool (if applicable)

 54067-4