ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Clostridium difficile Culture with Reflex to Cytotoxin Cell Assay : 0060140

Mnemonic: MC CDIF

Ordering Recommendation: Reference method for diagnosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (turnaround time ≥96 hrs). Preferred initial test is C. difficile toxin B gene (tcdB) by PCR.
Methodology: Culture/Identification
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 3 days
Preliminary: Negative at 2 days or as soon as positive detected
Final: Negative at 3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Stool: Transfer 5 mL to an unpreserved stool transport vial (ARUP supply #40910). OR place 5 mL in enteric transport media (Cary-Blair) (ARUP supply #29799). (Min: 1 mL) Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Tissue: Transfer specimen immediately into anaerobe transport media (ARUP supply #16426).

Specimen Preparation: Transfer 5 mL stool to an unpreserved stool transport vial (ARUP supply #40910). OR place 5 mL stool in enteric transport media (Cary-Blair) (ARUP supply #29799). (Min: 1 mL) Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Stool: Frozen. Tissue: Room Temperature.

Unacceptable Conditions: Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours), formed stools, or stool in PVA or formalin.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Unpreserved or preserved Stool: Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 week. Tissue: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable.
Reference Interval:
Culture negative for Clostridium difficile.
Note: For routine stool screening, refer to Clostridium difficile toxin B gene (tcdB) by PCR (ARUP test code 2002838).

If Clostridium difficile culture is positive, then Clostridium difficile Cytotoxin Cell Assay (ARUP test code 0060851) will be added. Additional charges apply.
CPT Code(s): 87075; if reflexed add 87230
Cross References: Culture, Clostridium difficile (Clostridium difficile Culture with Reflex to Cytotoxin Cell Assay)