Toxigenic Clostridium difficile Toxin by PCR

General Information

Lab Name
C. difficile Toxin Gene by PCR
Lab Code
CDTP
Epic Name
C. difficile Toxin Gene by PCR
Description

Test stool for toxigenic Clostridium difficile (CD) on all patients over 2 years of age with clinically significant diarrhea and a history of antibiotic exposure. Reflex testing is performed at all locations on positive C. difficile toxin specimens to determine if the strain is presumptively positive for the 027/NAP1/BI epidemic strain.

Synonyms
Toxigenic C difficile-PCR
Components

Interpretation

Method

PCR

Reference Range
See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Stool
Collection

Collect fresh unpreserved liquid or soft stool in leak-proof container.

Unacceptable: formed stools and specimens from children under the age of 2

Handling Instructions

Transport specimen to the laboratory at room or refrigerator temperature.

Quantity
Requested: 5 g stool
Minimum: 0.5 g stool

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Store specimen at 2 - 8 °C.

Stability: Specimen is stable for up to 5 days when stored at 2 - 8 °C. or for up to 24 hours when kept at room temperature (20 - 30°C).

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Serology(SR)
Frequency
HMC: Specimens received daily by 8 PM are tested the same day. UWMC Montlake and Northwest: Specimens received by 7 PM are tested same day.
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
HMC Microbiology
206-744-5858

325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420

UW-NW Main Lab
206-668-1344

UW Medical Center – Northwest
1550 N 115th Street, A200
Seattle, WA 98133

UW-MT Microbiology
206-520-4600

Clinical Lab, Room # NW177,
University of Washington Medical Center,
1959 NE Pacific street, Seattle, WA 98195

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes
87493
LOINC
34712-0
Interfaced Order Code
UOW1245