Clostridioides difficile Culture, Varies
Use
Providing an isolate suitable for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Culture provides definitive evidence of the presence of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile in feces, which can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Overgrowth of toxin-producing C. difficile leads to the production of toxins and diarrhea, with risk factors including recent use of antibiotics and hospitalization. C. difficile infection is the most common cause of diarrhea in hospitalized patients and may lead to serious complications if not managed properly.
Special Instructions
If susceptibilities are desired, order CDIFS / Clostridioides difficile Culture with Antimicrobial Susceptibilities, Varies. This is not the preferred diagnostic test for Clostridioides difficile. For routine diagnostic testing, order CDPCR / Clostridioides difficile Toxin, PCR, Feces. Submission of more than one specimen for testing is not recommended. Repeated testing during a single episode of diarrhea is not recommended.
Limitations
This test does not differentiate between toxin-producing and non-toxin-producing strains of C. difficile. Testing of asymptomatic patients or for test of cure is not recommended. Testing formed feces is generally not clinically indicated. Isolation of C. difficile from colostomy, ileostomy, or colonoscopically collected specimens has not been validated. Testing of colostomy, ileostomy, or colonoscopically collected specimens has not been optimized. Performance characteristics are specific to this methodology and laboratory conditions.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 562-9
- 562-9
Result Turnaround Time
2-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Commercially available transport system specific for recovery of enteric pathogens from fecal specimens
Collection Instructions
Collect fresh feces and submit 1 gram or 5 mL in container with transport medium. Within 2 hours of collection, place feces in preservative.
Patient Preparation
Patient should not use antacids, barium, bismuth, antidiarrheal medication, zinc oxide paste, Vagisil cream or oily laxatives prior to specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Fecal swab, Specimen in Ecofix.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 96 hours |
| Refrigerated | 96 hours |
| Frozen | 7 days |