Test Overview
EIA
To determine presence or absence of C. difficile antigen and toxins A and B in fecal specimens.
Negative.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Per Michigan Medicine Clostridium difficile Infection Guidelines testing is rarely indicated or recommended for infants less than 12 months and consultation with Pediatric ID is recommended.
Test Details
EIA: 8 hours; reflex PCR: 1 day
- Antibiotic Associated Colitis (AAC)
- Colitis, Clostridium difficile
- Pseudomembranous Colitis Toxin Assay
- PCRCD
- CLOST. DIFFICILE TOXIN B, PCR
- CDIFF
- Clostridium difficile Antigen
- Clostridium difficile Toxin
- CDTOX
- CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE TOXIN
- CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE
- GDH Screen
- GDH Antigen
Specimen Requirements
Test should be requested only on patients suspected to have antibiotic associated colitis (AAC). Collect at least 5 mL of fresh stool and place in a sterile screw-capped container with no preservative. Formed stools are not acceptable. Refrigerate and send specimen within 48 hours of collection. Indicate specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis. Collect no more than one specimen in a 24 hour period; after two negative tests, wait 10 days before sending another specimen; after one positive test, wait 14 days before sending another specimen. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be notified before disposal of the original specimen. See MLabs Stool Specimen Collection Instructions available online at http://mlabs.umich.edu/files/pdfs/GL-Stool_Collection_Guidelines.pdf for patient instructions.
Additional Information
If EIA for C. difficile is inconclusive, confirmation testing for C. difficile Toxin DNA by PCR (PCRCD) will be performed at an additional charge. By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated.