Test Includes

Detection of Clostridium difficile toxin in faeces

Request Form 

Microbiology form (Green)

Availability

On request during normal working hours

Specific Criteria

Please give detailed clinical information including: details of any recent, current, or intended, antibiotic therapy; date of onset/contact with any suspected infection.

Turnaround Time

The test will usually be performed on the next normal working day after receipt of the sample.

Specimen

Faeces

Volume

A walnut sized portion should be submitted in a faeces container

Container

Blue capped universal container with spoon

Collection

Samples should be transported to laboratory as soon as possible

Lab. Handling

Samples should be processed on day of receipt

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample
Delay in sample reaching laboratory
If a positive result is obtained further samples will not be tested until 7 days after the collection date of the original positive sample