C. diff Testing
What is C. Diff Testing?
Clostridium difficile, also known as C. diff, is an infection caused by a type of bacteria that is difficult to destroy. C. diff can cause life threatening diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. C. diff testing is done in order to diagnose this infection in individuals with these symptoms. This test looks for certain toxins that are released by the bacteria.
Preparation for C. diff Testing
No specialized preparation is necessary for C. diff testing, although your doctor may recommend that you avoid taking antibiotics for a period of time prior to the test. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking so that these can be taken into account when interpreting the test results.
Procedure for C. diff Testing
C. diff testing can be done on either a stool sample or a rectal swab. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Once the sample is analyzed, the results show whether the patient is positive or negative for C. diff.
Types of C. diff Testing
There are two main types of C. diff tests that are commonly used. The first is called a toxin immunoassay. This type of test looks for toxins produced by the C. diff bacteria in a sample. The second type of test is called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test looks for the genetic material of the bacteria in the sample.
Risks of C. diff Testing
C. diff testing is generally considered to be safe and has few, if any, risks associated with it. The most common complication is a slight pain or discomfort due to the insertion of the swab for a rectal swab test.
Why is C. diff Testing Done?
C. diff testing is typically done to diagnose an infection in individuals who are showing signs and symptoms of C. diff infection. It is important to note that the test is not always accurate; other conditions, such as food poisoning, can cause similar symptoms.
When is C. diff Testing Done?
C. diff testing is usually done when an individual is showing signs and symptoms of C. diff infection, such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. It is important to note that the test may not be accurate in all cases, so additional tests, such as a stool sample, may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
