Mar 6, 2024 · Key points There are four laboratory tests used to diagnose Clostridioides difficile infection or CDI. Hospitals are required to report C. diff infections.

Tests used are either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. The tests involve putting a flexible tube with a small camera on one end into the colon to look for problem areas.

C. diff testing is most often used to find out if C. diff is causing diarrhea. But diarrhea can have many causes, so the test may be used with tests for parasites and other bacteria that also cause diarrhea.

C. diff is a nickname for a bacterium whose full name is Clostridioides difficile (klos-TRID-e-OY-dees dif-uh-SEEL). This bacterium can infect your colon (large intestine), causing diarrhea and other …

Alternatively, in institutions where established clinical algorithms guide testing, a nucleic acid test alone is acceptable. Nucleic acid tests are the methods of choice in approximately 50% of laboratories in …

You can also click here to read the full guide on C. diff testing. It explains each test in plain English, shows how to interpret different result combos, and helps you make sense of your own test report.

Sep 30, 2025 · This test usually doesn't cause any pain or discomfort. There is a chance you can spread the infection if you don't wash your hands well when you collect the stool sample. There are several …

The currently available tests for CDI, particularly the molecular tests (C diff PCR and GI Panel) are highly sensitive and may detect levels of the bacteria which are not clinically meaningful.

Jul 10, 2024 · C. diff usually occurs after a course of certain antibiotics, known as broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill good and bad bacteria in your gut and allow C. diff to take over.

Test Includes Immunoassay for Clostridium difficile toxins A and B. Requests with only a written order and no test number indicated will be processed according to Default Testing for Routine Microbiology.