We perform 3 different tests (dependent on the presentation) for:
We will provide an interpretation dependent the combination of these results. If both GDH and toxin are detected by EIA; we consider this likely to represent toxigenic C. difficile infection and will report this to the Department of Health under the mandatory reporting scheme.
Screening for / diagnosis of infection with toxigenic Clostridioides difficile (previously known as Clostridium difficile.)
Faeces
Fecon pot
For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):
Search for: ‘Clostridium difficile screen‘ or test code ‘LAB9451‘
Please state in clinicals any recent antibiotic use.
Please ensure that stool sample pots are filled between 1/3 to 1/2 full. This is sufficient sample volume for all stool tests. Under-filling or over-filling stool sample pots may lead to samples being unsuitable for analysis.
N.B. Formed stools will NOT be tested for C. diffiicile
Testing will NOT be performed on patients under 2 years old.
Testing will ONLY be performed on patients from the community if:
Requests must indicate if a specimen is high risk. Please indicate details of the risk e.g. TB, MPox, Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.
For more details please see our guidance on high risk specimens.
Processed locally in Microbiology at RDUH
Within 30 hours (7 days a week)
Clostridioides difficile and C. difficile Toxin Testing – Lab Tests Online
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) – NHS
Clostridioides difficile: guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA
(Keywords: cdiff, c.diff)
Specimen Labelling Procedure
9018
