8340Clostridium difficile (C diff) Toxin/GDH with relfex to PCR
Specimen Type
Specimen Stability
Reference Range
Stool
Fresh specimen : 2-8°C for 72 hours; Frozen specimen: ≤-10°C For 30 days
See Report
Specimen Requirements
Preferred amount: 50 ul of fecal specimen. Acceptable types are Fresh specimens, Frozen specimens and specimens in transport media (Cary Blair)
Specimen Type:Stool
Method
Rapid membrane enzyme immunoassay
Schedule
Monday-Friday
Instructions/Notes
For a complete list of assay limitations, we recommend that you review the manufacturer’s package insert: C-DIFF-QUIK-CHEK_PI-91-390-01-TL_7-2021.pdf (techlab.com)
Clinical Utility
After treatment with antibiotics, many patients develop gastrointestinal problems ranging from mild diarrhea to severe pseudomembranous colitis. Many cases of the milder forms of gastrointestinal illness and most cases of pseudomembranous colitis are caused by toxigenic strains of Clostridium difficile. This organism is an opportunistic anaerobic bacterium that grows in the intestine once the normal flora has been altered by the antibiotic. For diagnosis of toxigenic C. Difficile, current practice guidelines from the CDC recommend confirmation by PCR OR NAAT if the glutamate dehydrogenase of C. Difficile (GDH Antigen) is positive and Toxin A and/or B are not detected by enzyme immunoassay. Additionally, if Toxin A and/or B are detected without the presence of GDH Antigen, confirmation by PCR or NAAT are recommended.
CPT Codes
87324, 87449
