MLT GlobeClostridioides difficile toxin test
Urine & Stool · also called C. diff toxin, CDI testing
What it measures
Detects toxigenic C. difficile in stool of patients with diarrhoea, typically after antibiotics or hospital stay. It diagnoses C. difficile infection and pseudomembranous colitis.
Specimen and preparation
- Specimen: Unformed (liquid) stool
- Tube: Stool top
- Preparation: Test only unformed stool (takes shape of container); do not repeat within 7 days or test for cure.
Reference range
| Group | Range |
|---|---|
| All | Negative |
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.
Causes of high values
- C. difficile infection (toxin positive)
- PCR+/toxin−: colonisation or low-level disease
- Pseudomembranous colitis
- Recurrent CDI after treatment
Method
Two-step: GDH antigen or toxin gene PCR, then toxin A/B EIA
Good to know
Neonates and infants are often colonised, so testing under 2 years is rarely helpful.
Related tests
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