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Clostridium difficile Culture with Reflex to Cytotoxin Cell Assay
Ordering Recommendation
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).
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Stool or Tissue
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.
Stool: Frozen. Tissue: Room Temperature.
Multiple specimens (more than one in 24 hours), formed stools, or stool in PVA or formalin.
Unpreserved or preserved Stool: Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 week. Tissue: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable.
Methodology
Culture/Identification
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-4 days
Negative culture reported at 4 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.
Reference Interval
Culture negative for Clostridium difficile.
Interpretive Data
Standard
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 will be added. Additional charges apply.
Hotline History
CPT Codes
87075; if positive add 87076; if reflexed add 87230
Components
| Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
|---|---|---|
| 0060140 | Culture, Clostridium difficile | 562-9 |
Aliases
- C. diff culture
- C. difficile Culture
- Clostridioides difficile
- Culture, Clostridium difficile
