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Test Code C.DIFF PCR C DIFFICILE PCR,PATIENT >2 YRS

Important Note

Not performed on patients less than 2-years old.

Due to sensitivity of the assay, only one sample will be run in 7 days.

One specimen is sufficient for diagnosis of bacterial gastroenteritis and antibiotic associated diarrhea/pseudomembranous enterocolitis (Clostridium difficile infection).

Consult laboratory if infection is strongly suspected despite a negative culture and negative C. difficile toxin.

Additional Codes

LAB14150

Performing Laboratory

Porter Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Source: Feces

Soft or liquid stool - sample must take the

shape of the container

Collection Container/Tube: Stool container

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic container

Collection Instructions:

1. Must be transported in a clean container, no

    preservatives, and refrigerated within 2

    hours of collection.
2. Formed stools are not acceptable. 

3. The sample should be tested as soon as possible,

    but may be held up to two days at 2-8 C prior to testing.

4.  If testing cannot be performed within this time frame,

     samples should be frozen immediately on receipt and stored frozen (-20° C) until tested.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Methodology

PCR

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87493

Test Schedule / Analytical Time / Test Priority / Turn Around Time

Daily / Not available STAT / 4 hours

Normal Reference Values

Negative for C. difficile by PCR.
Presumptive negative for 027, NAP1 B1 strain.

Critical Values

Positive (Results are called.)