CD56

Clostridioides difficile Toxin PCR is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting C. difficile infections, a common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea and colitis. This molecular test identifies the genetic material of toxigenic C. difficile strains in stool samples, offering high sensitivity and specificity. It targets specific genes, such as tcdB and tcdC, associated with toxin production, ensuring accurate detection of active infections. The test requires a fresh fecal specimen collected in a transport system designed for enteric pathogens. Its rapid turnaround time allows healthcare providers to promptly initiate appropriate treatment, reducing hospital stays and improving patient outcomes. Despite its accuracy, the test is not recommended for confirming treatment success, as nucleic acid may persist post-treatment. It should be used alongside clinical evaluations and other tests, like enzyme immunoassays, to confirm diagnoses. Overall, the Clostridioides difficile Toxin PCR is an invaluable component of clinical testing algorithms, enhancing the management of C. difficile infections.

Price of test:£115

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £115

Awaiting result:

One day

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The Clostridioides difficile Toxin PCR test is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting toxigenic C. difficile in stool specimens. It offers high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation. Key points include:

- Specimen Collection: Fresh fecal specimen in a transport vial.
- Methodology: Real-time PCR targeting tcdB and tcdC genes.
- Performance: Sensitivity of 91-96%, specificity of 96-98%.
- Interpretation: Positive results indicate active infection; negative results may rule out active infection.
- Clinical Utility: Quick results improve patient outcomes.
- Limitations: Not a test of cure; interpret with clinical context.

Who Should Get Tested

The Clostridioides difficile Toxin PCR test is crucial for diagnosing C. difficile infections, especially in patients with recent antibiotic use. Key points include:

- Specimen Collection: Fresh fecal samples are needed, collected in specific transport vials.
- Test Methodology: Uses real-time PCR to detect genes tcdB and tcdC, ensuring high specificity.
- Performance: Offers 91-96% sensitivity and 96-98% specificity.
- Clinical Utility: Rapid results aid in timely treatment, reducing hospital stays.
- Limitations: Not for test of cure; results should align with clinical findings.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results for the Clostridioides difficile Toxin PCR is crucial for effective patient management. Here's a concise guide:

- Positive Result: Indicates the presence of toxigenic C. difficile genetic material, suggesting an active infection.
- Negative Result: Suggests absence of target nucleic acid, potentially ruling out active infection but not asymptomatic carriage.
- Clinical Correlation: Results should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and patient history.
- Limitations: Not a test of cure; nucleic acid may persist post-treatment. Consider potential interfering substances.

Price of test:£115

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £115

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

Diagu's AI system represents a breakthrough in medical test analysis, employing state-of-the-art algorithms meticulously trained on a vast spectrum of authoritative medical literature and data. This system intricately analyses laboratory test results, extracting nuanced insights that might elude conventional methods. Our AI delves into complex interrelations between various health markers, offering a comprehensive understanding that supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The foundation of our AI's analytical prowess lies in its extensive training, encompassing data from globally recognised medical journals, trusted healthcare databases, and breakthrough scientific studies. This ensures that every analysis is grounded in the latest and most comprehensive medical knowledge.

Expert Doctor Confirmation

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Language Model and Trusted Sources

At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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