C. difficile PCR

Sample type	Faeces
Container	Sterile Universal Container	Click image to enlarge ×
Sample volume	Representative sample
Turnaround time	Up to 7 days
Hospital	Rotunda
Telephone number	8171739
Laboratory	Microbiology
Special precautions / Clinical Comment	Testing for C.difficile should only be requested on stools from children with diarrhoea if - the diarrhoea is associated with current or recent antibiotic exposure (particularly broad spectrum antibiotics, such as 2nd or 3rd generation cephalosporins or - the diarrhoea is associated with a known risk factor, such as Hirsprung's disease, exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease or cancer chemotherapy and - other causes of diarrhoea have been ruled out - specimen is liquid stools Please do not request C.difficile testing on children < 2 yrs in whom the organism is a normal commensal and highly unlikely to cause disease. Request forms must therefore include the appropriate clinical details Formed specimens will not be tested Store samples at 4⁰ C if delay in transportation to the laboratory
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