Clostridium difficile toxins A&B profile

BA0344

Synonym(s):
Specimen Container
Screw capped leak-proof stool container
Specimen Requirement
Fresh stool (about 1 teaspoon or 10 mm3 stool). Only unformed stool is acceptable.
Specimen Storage/Transport

If it is not possible to despatch the stool sample to the laboratory on the same day, the sample should be kept at 2-8°C in a refrigerator.

Note: Stool in transport media, on swabs, mixed in urine or preservatives, is not appropriate for testing and will have to be rejected. Sample should reach laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours after collection.

Orderable as Urgent? No
Turn Around Time
1 day
Testing Laboratory Location SGH
Laboratory Immunology/Serology
Contact Number 6394 1352
Day and Time Performed
Mon - Fri: 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs
Sat: 0800 hrs - 1230 hrs
Orderable on CPOE? Yes
Downtime Form

Bacteriology, Mycology,Parasitology Tests

Additional Information

C. difficile Testing Algorithm: Results, Interpretation and Action  

Test EIA Test Results* Interpretation Action after EIA results 
Clostridium difficile Toxins A & B ProfileToxins: Not detected NO toxigenic C. difficile detected EIA results reported; no further action 
GDH: Not detected 
Toxins: Detected Toxigenic C. difficile detected EIA results reported; no further action 
GDH: Detected 
Toxins: Not detected Indeterminate EIA results reported and reflex-testing to C. difficile PCR** with separate PCR report 
GDH: Detected 
Toxins: Detected Indeterminate EIA results reported and reflex-testing to C. difficile PCR** with separate PCR report 
GDH: Not detected 
 
This test involves an algorithm whereby all stool specimens will be first tested by C. difficile Toxins A&B and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) in the SGH Immunology/Serology Laboratory. All specimens with concordant results will be reported accordingly (see Table). Specimens with indeterminate EIA results will be sent automatically to the SGH Molecular Laboratory for C. difficile toxin gene PCR testing. A separate PCR report will then be issued. This ‘reflex’ PCR testing does not require any further action by the ordering clinician, and involves no additional cost.
Questions may be directed to Dr Matthias Maiwald (6394 1389) at the KKH Microbiology Laboratory.

Change History Notes

  • 30 Jul 2021 12:00 AM

    ​Updated TAT, Laboratory.

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Last Updated - 05 Apr 2025