Clostridium difficile Toxin by PCR
Test Mnemonic
CDPCR
CPT Codes
- 87493 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
54067-4
Aliases
- Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea
- Antibiotic Associated Pseudomembranous Colitis
- C. difficile toxin
- Clostridium difficile, Feces
- Clostridium difficile, Stool
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mL | Stool | Sterile container | Refrigerated |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | Frozen stools have not been validated and will be rejected. |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) |
Reference Range
| Clostridium difficile Toxin by PCR | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| No Clostridium difficile toxin detected |
Special Info
Due to the high sensitivity and negative predictive value of the PCR assay, only one sample per week is accepted for testing. Formed stools, samples from patients <2 yrs old, and specimen received in preservative, frozen, on swabs or wooden applicator sticks will be rejected.
Clinical Info
Unformed stools are tested for the presence of C. difficile toxin B gene by PCR. A positive PCR result for C. difficile may represent infection or colonization. The positive predictive value of the PCR assay for C. difficile infection is highest for patients with significant diarrhea (3 or more unformed stools in 24 h) who do not have an alternative explanation (e.g., recent receipt of laxatives). Contact isolation is required for patients who are colonized or infected with C. difficile. Once a patient is diagnosed with CDI, therapeutic response should be based on clinical signs and symptoms; a “test of cure” should not be done since patients may remain colonized with toxin-producing strains following recovery.
Clinical Limitation
This test should not be ordered on potential fecal transplant donors. Submit specimen to SendOut Lab with an order for CDFRP. Potential Interfering substances include vagisil cream and zinc oxide paste.