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Test Code CDIFT Clostridium difficile PCR with reflex to toxin A/B

Important Note

Pediatric Note:  American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that C. difficile does not cause disease in children less than one year.  Children between 1 and 3 also carry C. difficile asymptomatically and seldom have disease. A positive test is not diagnostic unless there are no other reasons for GI dysfunction.

 

As of 12/13/2021, all C.difficile positive results will automatically reflex to C.difficile A/B toxin assay testing.  Order code CDFTX

 

Infectious

Additional Codes

Epic Test ID

LAB253

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Performing Laboratory

Bronson Laboratory Services-Microbiology

Specimen Requirements

Order only if patient had ≥3 unformed bowel
movements per day for at least 2 days.

 

Specimen Type: Stool, unformed

Container/Tube: Clean, dry container

For patients in diapers, stool specimen
submitted on swab is not preferred, but is also acceptable.

Specimen Volume: 1 unformed stool

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not collect stool while using zinc oxide
and/or Vagisil cream on the vaginal/rectal area.

2. Causes for rejection include adult stool specimen submitted
on swab, formed stool, or multiple collections (>1 specimen
submitted within a 7-day period will be credited).

3. Due to high sensitivity and specificity, multiple
collections are not necessary and will not be tested for this
episode. Please refer to initial specimen submitted for
results. If you have questions, please call Bronson Pathology
at 269-341-8997.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient 24 hours/Refrigerate 5 days

C.difficile toxin  24 hours Refrigerated.

Reference Values

Normal: C. difficile target DNA sequences are not
detected
Abnormal: C. difficile target DNA
sequences are detected

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT 87493

CPT 87324