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Test Code LAB253 Clostridium difficile Toxin, Gene, PCR

Additional Codes

48543

Reporting Title

C. difficile Toxin PCR

Methodology

Cepheid, GeneXpert

Performing Laboratory

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH Microbiology

Specimen Requirements

 

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Unformed Stool Unpreserved or fresh

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

 

Rejected specimens: Formed stool and specimens on swabs

 

Frequency of testing: Once during a diarrhea episode (due to the high senditivity and specificity of the assay)

 

When to repeat test:

1. Initial test was positive and patient improved with therapy, but now has clinical relapse

2. Initial test was negative, now patient has a new epidsode of diarrhea.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient (preferred) 24 hrs/Refrigerated 5 days

Reference Values

Negative

 

The assay consists of two probes; the first probe detects the toxigenic C. difficile tcdB.  The second probe is for presumptive detection of the hyper-virulent strain known as 027/NAP/B1.  This analyte is for epidemiology purposes only and should not be used to determine or monitor treatment.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT Code:

87493