Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Reference method for diagnosis of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile-associated diarrhea (turnaround time ≥96 hours). Preferred initial test is Clostridium difficile toxin B gene (tcdB) by PCR (2002838).
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
MC CDIF
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Culture/Identification
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
Negative at 4 days Positives as soon as detected
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Stool or Tissue
Specimen Preparation
Stool: 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. Tissue: Transfer specimen immediately into anaerobe transport media (ARUP supply #16426), available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
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.
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Culture negative for Clostridium difficile.
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
Compliance Category
Standard
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
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 will be added. Additional charges apply.
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
87075; if positive add 87076; if reflexed add 87230
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
C. diff culture
C. difficile Culture
Clostridioides difficile
Culture, Clostridium difficile
Clostridium difficile Culture with Reflex to Cytotoxin Cell Assay
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