Rapid and Reliable Diagnostic Algorithm for Detection of <i>Clostridium difficile</i>

Abstract

We evaluated a two-step algorithm for detection of Clostridium difficile in 1,468 stool specimens. First, specimens were screened by an immunoassay for C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase antigen (C.DIFF CHEK-60). Second, screen-positive specimens underwent toxin testing by a rapid toxin A/B assay (TOX A/B QUIK CHEK); toxin-negative specimens were subjected to stool culture. This algorithm allowed final results for 92% of specimens with a turnaround time of 4 h.