Clostridioides difficile Toxin, PCR, Feces

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC34001Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID CDPCRCPT Code 87493

Clostridioides difficile Toxin, PCR, Feces

Clinical Use

Use

_Clostridioides difficile_ (formerly _Clostridium difficile_) is the cause of _C difficile_-associated diarrhea (CDAD), an antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). In these disorders bacterial overgrowth of _C difficile_ develops in the colon, typically as a consequence of antibiotic usage. Clindamycin and broad-spectrum cephalosporins have most frequently been associated with CDAD and PMC, but almost all antimicrobials may be responsible. Disease is related to production of toxin A and B. The test utilizes automated real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect toxin B gene sequences, enabling prompt treatment that may reduce hospital stays for inpatients with CDAD.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The assay must be performed on fresh feces, fresh-frozen feces, or feces in transport medium. The assay has not been validated as a test of cure. Since nucleic acid may persist after effective treatment, follow-up testing of a positive result is not recommended. Interfering substances in the feces may affect the accuracy of the assay; results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and epidemiologic findings. Patients may asymptomatically carry _Clostridioides difficile_; clinical correlation is needed when deciding how to manage patients with a positive test result. Because of asymptomatic carriage of toxigenic _C difficile_ in infants, treatment for _C difficile_ may not be needed in those 12 months or younger.

Test Details

New York Approved