Cl difficile Toxin Test
Clinical Background:
If a patient has diarrhoea (Bristol Stool Chart types 5-7) that is not clearly attributable to an underlying condition (e.g. inflammatory colitis, overflow) or therapy (e.g. laxatives, enteral feed...
If a patient has diarrhoea (Bristol Stool Chart types 5-7) that is not clearly attributable to an underlying condition (e.g. inflammatory colitis, overflow) or therapy (e.g. laxatives, enteral feeding) then it is necessary to determine if this is due to C. difficile. The spectrum of disease ranges from a self-limiting mild diarrhoea, to the advanced and severe illness characteristic of pseudomembranous colitiis. C. difficle has been associated with outbreaks in hospitals and in extended care facilities for the elderly. It represents an important cause of hospital-acquired infection. All diarrhoeal samples from hospital patients aged >2 years and, as a minimum, all diarrhoeal samples from those aged >65 years in the community where clinically indicated should be tested.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Scoop faeces in to universal container using integrated spoon.
Scoop faeces in to universal container using integrated spoon.
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Scoop faeces in to universal container using integrated spoon.
Scoop faeces in to universal container using integrated spoon.
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Minimum Volume Adult:
4mL or approximately 1/5 of the container (Universal Container)
4mL or approximately 1/5 of the container (Universal Container)
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
4mL or approximately 1/5 of the container (Universal Container)
4mL or approximately 1/5 of the container (Universal Container)
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
C.difficile toxin is stable at fridge temeperatures for upto 3 days however national guidelines recommend diagnosis within 18hrs of symptoms. Arrange to transport sample as soon as reasonably pract...
Read MoreC.difficile toxin is stable at fridge temeperatures for upto 3 days however national guidelines recommend diagnosis within 18hrs of symptoms. Arrange to transport sample as soon as reasonably practicable.
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Transport Requirements:
Samples must be transported to microbiology as soon as reasonable practicable
Samples must be transported to microbiology as soon as reasonable practicable
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 3 days
Possible up to 3 days
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Interpretation:
Positive results always supported by medical microbiologist and Infection Prevention & Control Teams.
Positive results always supported by medical microbiologist and Infection Prevention & Control Teams.
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Reference Ranges:
N/A
N/A
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 10)
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 10)