Test for the detection of Clostridium (Clostridioides) Toxins A and B.
A positive toxin results indicates active disease.
Routinely re flexed and performed on all positive Clostridium difficile by PCR tests.
Test performed on unformed stool specimens only.
POWERCHART ORDER – Cdiff toxins A and B by PCR
Useful For
This test detects the presence of C. difficile by detecting toxins A and B in fecal specimens from persons suspected of having C. difficile disease.
The test is to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of C. difficile disease.
As with other C. difficile tests, results should be considered in conjunction with the patient history.
COLLECT SPECIMEN WITHIN 6 HOURS OF TEST ORDER
Method Name
Rapid Membrane Immunoassay
Aliases
Cdiff,toxin,clostridium,difficile,pcr,molecular
Specimen Type
Unformed Stool
Specimen Required
Unformed stool in dry sterile container
Sterile Dry Container
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 ml
Specimen Stability Information
- Specimens should be stored between 2°C and 8°C.
- Test specimens that are less than 24 hours old, whenever possible.
- Store specimens frozen (≤ -10°C) if the test cannot be performed within 72 hours of collection but note that freezing and thawing of the specimen may result in loss of activity due to degradation of the toxins.
- If using frozen specimens, thaw at room temperature.
Rejected Due To
- Specimens not stored between 2°C and 8°C.
- Stored specimens frozen (≤ -10°C) not received or not frozen within or greater than 72 hours.
- Specmen not received in sterile dry container.
Special Instructions
- Fecal specimens are extremely complex. Optimal results with the DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE ® test are obtained with specimens that are less than 24 hours old. Most undiluted specimens can be stored between 2°C and 8°C for 72 hours before significant degradation of the toxin is noted. If specimens are not assayed within this time period, they may be frozen and thawed. However, repeated freezing and thawing may result in loss in the immunoreactivity of antigen and toxins A and B.
- Colonization rates of up to 50% have been reported in infants. A high rate has also been reported in cystic fibrosis patients (1,3).
- The only non- difficile organism to react in the toxin portion of the C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE® test was Clostridium sordellii VPI 9048. This strain produces toxins HT and LT, which are homologous to toxins A and B, respectively.
Performing Laboratory
Glens Falls Hospital Microbiology Laboratory
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
- Day and evening shift as needed
- 7 days
Analytical Time
Turnaround time 1-3 hours
Specimen Retention Time
72 hours
Reflex Tests
This test is reflexed from Positive Clostridium difficile by PCR tests.
Analytical Time
Turnaround time 1-3 hours