Preferred Sample Type
Clostridium Difficile testing
Specimen Volume
2ml of loose or liquid stoolTurnaround Time
Within 30 hoursSample Stability
If transport is delayed, sample must be refrigerated for up to 48 hoursGeneral Information
Please Note: This test is currently being performed using the GS Pan-Enteric PCR assay until December 2025.
Testing for Clostridium difficile, (C.diff), is performed once daily, 7 days a week. Samples must arrive in the laboratory by 11 am to be included in the run.
Samples received after this time are not guaranteed to be processed the same day.
At least 2ml of loose or liquid stool is required. Formed samples are unsuitable for testing.
- Samples are NOT tested for C. difficile if they have been positive within the last 14 days.
- Samples are NOT tested for C. difficile if they have been negative within the last 3 days
Results are communicated electronically to Bed Management Teams and Infection Control
Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Specifications
- EQA Status: Enrolled to UK NEQAS scheme
- EQAS Scheme: Yes