Stool C difficile toxin
What isStool C Difficile Toxin Test?
Stool C Difficile Toxin Test is used to measure the toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). These toxins are responsible for causing a serious and potentially fatal type of intestinal infection commonly referred to as “C Diff.”
Preparation
Your doctor may advise you to tell your lab workers beforehand about any antibiotics you have taken or are currently taking. You may also be asked to stop taking these drugs before the procedure. For better results, you may be asked to fast for about 8-10 hours before the test. Also, avoid taking any kind of laxatives or antidiarrheals before the test.
Procedure
The procedure is brief and simple. A sample of your stool is collected and sent to the laboratory for testing. In the laboratory, the sample is analyzed for the presence of C. difficile toxin. It usually takes at least 24 hours for the laboratory to report the results.
Types
The stool C Difficile Toxin Test can be divided into two types namely:
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) Test- is used to detect the presence of the toxin as quickly as possible and is best suited for diagnosing acute cases of C Difficile.
- Cell Culture Assay Test- is used to detect the presence of the actual bacteria. This test is more reliable as it can accurately determine the quantity of the bacteria present.
Risks
Generally, this test is regarded as safe and poses a minimal risk to the patient. However, a few cases of allergic reactions have been reported after taking this test.
Why is the Test Performed?
The stool c Difficile Toxin Test is performed to detect the presence of c Difficile bacteria in the patient’s stool sample. It is a quick and reliable way to detect the infection, making the treatment process easier and faster.
When is the Test Performed?
The stool C Difficile Toxin Test is performed when a person shows signs of symptoms related to C Difficile such as diarrhea, cramping, fever, bloody stools, nausea, and vomiting. It is usually recommended if a person has recently taken antibiotics as this might lead to an increased risk of C Difficile related infections.