Stool C. difficile toxin

How the test is performed:

A sample of a stool specimen is incubated in the laboratory with tissue culture cells and monitored for a specific reaction.

How to prepare for the test:

Adults and children:
There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.

Infants and young children:
For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine and stool can be prevented for a better sample.

Do not mix urine, water, or toilet tissue in with the sample.

How the test will feel:

There is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

The test may be done when there is no identifiable cause of diarrhea or when antibiotic usage is associated with the diarrhea.