68025:CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE ANTIGENS, REFLEX TOXIN IF POSITIVE
Alias Names:
C. Diff / C Diff / C difficile
Methodology:
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Edit Date:
3/16/2010
Performed:
Daily
Released:
Same day as tested
CPT Code:
87449
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
Random stool in clean, dry plastic container.
Handling:
Refrigerate. Freeze immediately ≤ -20° C if transport is delayed beyond 72 hours.
Stability:
72 hours refrigerated, or 7 days if frozen ≤ -20° C. Unstable ambient.
Standard Volume:
5 gm unformed stool or 5 mL liquid stool.
Minimum Volume:
1 gm unformed stool or 1 mL liquid stool.
Transport:
Refrigerated, or frozen on dry ice.
Comments:
Repeat testing is not indicated for 72 hours if the C. difficile antigen result is negative or for 4 weeks if the C. difficile toxin is positive. Positive C. difficile antigen results reflex to a C. difficile toxin EIA test. Negative C. difficile toxin EIA results may reflex to a C. difficile Cell Cytotoxin Assay. Additional charges will be added for each test performed.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen in transport media or in preservative; delayed transport; ambient specimen; formed stool.