CLOSTRIDIOIDES (FORMERLY CLOSTRIDIUM) DIFFICILE PCR (QUALITATIVE)

Lab Section Category	Molecular Diagnostic - Microbiology View write-up
Specimen Required	Stool (unformed)
Indications	a) Direct testing for suspected C. difficile infection. b) Confirmation of discordant enzyme immunoassay results, i.e. when stool samples tested positive for Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH) but negative for toxin production.
Storage/Transport	Refrigerate sample until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze. Send sample at 2 - 8°C (with an ice-pack). Sample should reach the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours after collection.
Method	Commercial real-time PCR - Cepheid Xpert C. difficile
Test Results	Detected, Not Detected or Inconclusive
Turnaround Time	1 working day
Day(s) Test Set up	Monday to Saturday
Remarks	This PCR assay detects Toxin B gene only for all toxigenic C.difficile. This test can also presumptively identify the hypervirulent C. difficile 027/BI/NAP1 epidemic strain, but may not detect certain rare strains of C.difficile.

Change History Notes

05 Jul 2019 12:50 PM

Change in test name from CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE PCR (QUALITATIVE) to CLOSTRIDIOIDES (FORMERLY CLOSTRIDIUM) DIFFICILE PCR (QUALITATIVE)

Last Updated - 13 Jun 2025