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 ELISA; 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 Clostridiodes difficile (previously known as Clostridium difficile.)
Faeces
Fecon pot
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:
Tested locally at RD&E
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