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Epic Code LAB3664 Clostridioides difficile Toxin

Important Note

Liquid/loose stools only in a sterile cup. Eswabs will be rejected.

Specimen must be obtained >7 days from last C. difficile test.

Test Name Alias

Clostridium difficile toxin |C diff | cdiff | c-diff | 8511 | 50020 | Clostridium diff toxin.| SHO8511 | 7160

Interface Order Alias

55119

Clinical Information

This enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests for the presence of C. difficile GDH antigen and C. difficile toxin. Detection of toxin suggests likely C. difficile infection, while the detection of antigen in the absence of toxin may represent C. difficile colonization. Toxin PCR testing is rarely indicated and not reflexively ordered based on EIA testing, but may be considered following consultation with Infectious Disease providers.

 

For patients less than 12 months of age, this EIA method may be performed only by request of Infectious Disease or Gastroenterology providers.

 

The laboratory will not repeat testing within a 7 day period following the most recent test.

Icons & Photos

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

 

Specimen Requirements

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 - specimen is stable for 24 hours ambient.
  • 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

Specimen Transport Temperature

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

UNPRESERVED SPECIMENS MAY BE FROZEN (≤ -10◦ C) IF TESTING CANNOT BE PERFORMED WITHIN 72

Ambient: 24 hours

Refrigerate:3 days

Laboratory Retention: 3 days

Test Frequency

Available daily, usual TAT less than 24 hours.

 

Test is performed once per shift. Gerber (SHGM) performs testing as received.

Reference Range

Negative for C. difficile Toxin

 

Laboratory Critical Values Table

Performing Department

Microbiology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI

Corewell Health Big Rapids Laboratory, Big Rapids, MI

Corewell Health Gerber Laboratory, Fremont, MI
Corewell Health Ludington Laboratory, Ludington, MI
Corewell Health Pennock Laboratory, Hastings, MI
Corewell Health Reed City Laboratory, Reed City, MI
Corewell Health Greenville Laboratory, Greenville, MI
Corewell Health Zeeland Laboratory, Zeeland, MI

Methodology

Enzyme Immunoassay

CPT

87324

CDM Code

3068732401

Epic Test ID

1230100501

LOINC

79177-2

Mayo Access Code

SHO55119

Additional Information

This test code changed from 8511 to 7160 on 3/27/2017.

Reviewed Date

9/7/2023