C. DIFFICILE TOXIN A, B & GDH STOOL

What this test checks

Checks your stool for toxins produced by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) — a bacterium that causes severe diarrhoea and colitis, often after antibiotic use. Tests for both toxins A and B as well as the GDH antigen for high accuracy.

Why do people get this test?

C. difficile infection is a common cause of severe diarrhoea in people who have recently taken antibiotics or been in hospital. Early identification means the right antibiotic (vancomycin or fidaxomicin) can be started promptly, and spread to others can be prevented.

When you should consider this test

• When you have persistent or severe diarrhoea after recent antibiotic use
• When you have been in hospital and develop new diarrhoea
• When abdominal cramps and watery stools are present, particularly with fever

How to prepare

Collect a fresh liquid or watery stool sample as directed by your doctor. Do not collect formed stool — the test requires a liquid or unformed sample.