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Confirmation and toxin test by PCR

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Clostridioides difficile confirmation and toxin test by PCR.

Test Category:
Molecular Detection
Pathogen:
Clostridioides difficile
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • Pseudomembranous colitis
Specimen:

Pure culture or 1.0mL frozen stool sample.

Collection Method:

N/A

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Send cultures as growth on culture medium or in transport medium.  Send frozen stool samples on dry ice. Culture vessel should be leak-proof or sealed appropriately.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Patient Criteria:

N/A

Accompanying Documentation:

Completed Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections Requisition.

Comments:

N/A

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

PCR is used to confirm presence or absence of C. difficile and its toxins. Targets tested include toxin A (tcdA), toxin B (tcdB), binary toxin (cdtB), tcdC (negative regulator of toxin production), and tpi (housekeeping gene for species confirmation). Results are compared to known Standards.

Turnaround Time:

10 Calendar days.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-5000
Fax: (204) 789-5020
References:
  1. Lemee, L., A. Dhalluin, S. Testelin, M.-A. Mattrat, K. Maillard, J.-F. Lemeland, and J.L. Pons. 2004. Multiplex PCR targeting tpi (triose phosphate isomerase), tcdA (toxin A), and tcdB genes for toxigenic culture of Clostridium difficile. J. Clin.  Microbiol. 42:5710-5714.
  2. Spigaglia, P., and P. Mastrantonio. 2004. Comparative analysis of Clostridium   difficile clinical isolates belonging to different genetic lineages and time periods. J. Med. Microbiol. 53:1129-1136.