Microbiology
| Full details for "Clostridium difficile". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Clostridium difficile |
Alternative name/Profile |
Faecal Examination / Faecal culture / Clostridium difficle toxin / C diff / C diff toxin / Pseudomembranous collitis |
Department |
Microbiology |
Investigation |
|
Specimen type |
Faeces |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
Sterile universal container containing 2-3 ml of loose/liquid specimen |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily |
Turnaround time |
1 day |
Availability |
Monday - Sunday |
Notes |
Only loose or liquid specimens will be processed i.e. sample must assume the shape of the specimen container Clostridium difficile detection is performed on all suitable specimens provided the patient is over 2 years old and has not been tested within the previous 10 day period. An exception can only be made with approval of consultant microbiologist. The Clinical Microbiology laboratory currently uses a 2 tier testing approach for the detection of toxin producing C difficle in faeces samples . All samples are screened using a molecular diagnostic test, EntericBio realtime® C. difficile assay which detects the C. difficile toxin B gene (tcdB) directly from human stool samples.All positive samples receive a follow up test using the C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE® test which is an Enzyme Immunoassay which detects if the toxin is being produced. This helps to distinguish between asymptomatic colonisation and active clinical infection. Infection control will be notified of a positive result. Sample should be refrigerated if not transported immediately. |
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Reference range |
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Last updated |
Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:36:57 IST |