Specimen:

Stool

Collection Medium:

Rejection Criteria:

Formed stool rejected.  1 Specimen/day, 3/week.  Rejected if positive
finding <10 days before.

Testing
Schedule:

0700-1630, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

24 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Comments:

The significance of Clostridium difficile toxin detection in infants 
(<1 year old) is uncertain because of the high rate of asymptomatic C. 
difficile carriage in this age group.

Methodology:

EIA antigen detection.

Sample
Processing:

Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as 
possible.
Submit in leakproof container.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate up to 72 hours.

Transport
Instructions:

Use refrigerated coolant packs.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.

Instructions:

Refrigerate specimen immediately.

CPT Code:

87324