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Epic Code LAB1231072 Clostridioidies difficile toxin PCR (Southwest Michigan only)

Important Note

  • This testing is only available for ordering/collecting for the laboratories in Southwest Michigan and cannot be couriered from a West Michigan location. This test is performed at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals St. Joseph.
  • Liquid or soft stool in a sterile collection container without preservatives.
  • Stools that do not conform to the shape of the container will not be tested.

Test Name Alias

Clostridium difficile Toxin PCR | C diff |cdiff | CLDPCR | CDTCHS | CDT

Interface Order Alias

1231072

Clinical Information

C. difficle/Epi Assay is a qualitative diagnostic test for rapid detection of toxin B gene sequences and for presumptive identification of 027/NAP1/BI strains of toxigenic Clostridium difficile from unformed (liquid or soft) stool specimens collected from patients suspected of having C. difficile infection. Positive C. difficile PCR results reflex to C. difficle EIA toxin test, to aid with determination of colonization vs. infection. On patients with specimens testing negative, the laboratory will not repeat testing sooner than 7 days following the last test.

 

Icons & Photos

 

Empty Vial of the Stool Kit Sterile Container with Secured Screw-on Lid

Collection Instructions

Specimen Type: Liquid/loose stool

Container/Tube: Empty Vial (white cap) of the stool specimen collection kit or sterile container with screw-on lid. 

Collection Volume: Fill to the line on the container

Minimum volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:

  • No additive
  • Refrigerate until ready for transport to the lab
  • Make sure caps are secured, leaky specimens may be discarded
  • Liquid/loose stools only (consistency of water)
  • Label container with patient's full legal name, date of birth, date and time of collection and type/source of specimen.

Specimen Transport Temperature (off-site): 

  • Ambient

Rejection Criteria

The specimen will be rejected and the order canceled if any of the following criteria are met:

  • Hard, formed or soft stools (only liquid/loose stools will be accepted)
  • Leaky or overfilled containers
  • Improper collection or container is used
    • Specimen in liquid transport media (e.g. Cary Blair, formalin, SAF, etc.)
    • Specimen in diaper
    • Colon washing specimen
    • Rectal swab specimen
    • Specimen has been contaminated with water or urine
  • Unlabeled specimen or specimen that only contains one identifier (2 patient identifiers must be used)

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 24 hours

Refrigerate: 5 days

Laboratory Retention: 7 days

Test Frequency

Available daily, usual TAT less than 24 hours

Reference Range

Negative

 

Critical Values Table

Performing Department

Microbiology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Lakeland St. Joseph Laboratory, St. Joseph, MI

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

 

This PCR test is not FDA approved for children less than 2 years old. Our current EIA test will be available for pediatric patients in this age group.

CPT

87493

CDM Code

3068749301

Epic Test ID

1230102781

LOINC

C. difficile PCR: 61367-9

Reviewed Date

Added 4/9/2025