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Test Code CPCR C. difficile by PCR

Clinical Indications

The test targets C. difficile toxin B gene (tcdB).

Testing should only be performed on patients with clinically significant diarrhea (≥3 stools in a 24h period) with no obvious alternative cause of diarrhea.

Additional Test Codes

Epic Order Name: C. diff by PCR (w/ isolation orders)
Sunquest Order Code: CPCR
Px Order Code: LAB4115

Specimen Collection Type

Raw stool in sterile container, Bristol stool types 6 and 7

Minimum Collection Volume

500uL

Reference Range

Negative

Critical Value

N/A

Interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of C. difficile with the toxin B gene.

A negative result indicated the absence of detectable C. difficile tcdB DNA.

This test cannot differentiate between colonization and an active C. difficile infection. C. difficile is a commensal bacterium of the human intestine in 2-5% of the population. Clinical correlation is required.

Since DNA may persist after effective treatment, follow up testing of a positive result (test of cure) is not recommended.

Rejection Criteria

Stool in preservative, mixed with urine, or gastric/bowel aspirates.

Formed, non-liquid stool (Bristol stool types 1-5).

Testing of patients <1 year is not performed due to the high rate of toxigenic C. difficile carriage in infants.

Stool submitted within 7 days of a negative result and 14 days of a positive result.

Specimen Availability for Add-on Testing

24 hours

Specimen Stability

24 hours at room temperature

5 days at 2-8C.

Day(s) Performed

Batched once per shift

Monday through Sunday

Performing Lab- Department

TUKHS-BH-Microbiology

CPT Code

87493

LOINC Code

61367-9

Test Alias

CLOSTRIDIODES, CLOSTRIDIUM, DIFFICILE

Performing Lab - Department

TUKHS-BH-Microbiology