Clostridium difficile Culture with Reflex to Toxin B, Real‑Time PCR, Isolate
Use
C. difficile causes 50‑75% of antibiotic‑associated colitis and greater than 90% of antibiotic‑associated pseudomembranous colitis. Pathogenic C. difficile produce two potent toxins, toxin A and toxin B, that cause diarrhea and colitis.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Not provided.
Methodology
Culture‑based
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
5 g or 5 mL
Minimum Volume
2 g or 2 mL
Container
sterile screw‑cap container
Collection Instructions
Toxin is heat labile. Freeze as soon as possible. Submit frozen stool in sterile screw‑cap container.
Causes for Rejection
Received room temperature; received in Cary‑Blair transport; specimen other than liquid or semi‑formed stool; stool in preservative or mixed with urine; specimen in wrong transport container
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | 7 days at −70 °C (not established at −20 °C) |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant
