Clostridium difficile Screen , Faeces

Diagnostic Use

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile are an anaerobic Gram positive spore forming bacilli which is widespread in nature. Spores can survive for long periods of time on surfaces in health care settings (both hospitals and longterm health care facilities).
The major cause of C. difficile infection is exposure to antibiotics. It is also associated with hospitalization, advanced age, underlying illness, gastrointestinal surgery and patients who are immunocompromised.

Department

Microbiology - Bacteriology

Delphic Registration Code

CDIF

Synonyms

Clostridium difficile
CDI
C. diff
Clostridioides difficile

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Specimen Type

• Faecal

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Additional Specimen Information

Fresh faecal sample required.
If necessary samples may be stored at 2-8oC for 48 hours.
Specimens which have previously tested positive for C. difficile toxin will not be retested for 14 days.
***Unacceptable samples are those which are in SAF preservative or the like.***

Paediatric Specimen - Fresh Faecal sample but test performed on a case by case basis. This test is not routinely performed on children 2 years and under.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Faecal

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Ideally sent to the laboratory within 3 hours of collection. If longer transport time is anticipated refrigerate.
Only one loose or liquid specimen is required for testing, ie. samples which take the shape of the container.

Interpretation

Refer to Microbiologist if further interpretation is required.

Test Method

GDH (Glutamate dehydrogenase) Test use as a primary screen for the presence of C. difficile.

C. difficile NAAT for toxin gene presence. C. difficile Toxin A/B Test used for the presence of toxin producing strains.

Note: C. difficile Toxin A/B Test is only performed on GDH POSITIVE samples.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$51.88 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

8746

Contact Information

Enquiry Form