C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | C. diff Toxin A & B with GDH; Clostridioides difficile GDH and Toxin A/B; Clostridium difficile Toxin Test; C. difficile Antigen and Toxin Test; GDH Screening with Toxin EIA |
| Sample Type | Fresh unformed (loose or liquid) stool |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 1 day |
| Recommended For | All ages, particularly adults; especially hospitalised patients, recent antibiotic users, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,000 |
What is a C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test?
The C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH test is a stool-based diagnostic test used to detect a bacterial infection caused by Clostridioides difficile (commonly called C. diff). It checks for three specific markers in a single stool sample to determine whether this bacterium is present and whether it is actively causing illness. Doctors typically request this C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH test when a patient has persistent watery diarrhoea, particularly after recent antibiotic use or a hospital stay. The sample required is a fresh, unformed stool collected in a sterile container.
What Does a C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test Measure?
This is a qualitative test, meaning it gives a "Detected" or "Not Detected" result rather than a numerical value. It simultaneously screens for three markers in the stool sample.
The three markers detected are listed below:
| Marker | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| GDH (Glutamate Dehydrogenase) | An enzyme produced by C. difficile bacteria | Confirms whether C. diff bacteria are present in the gut; acts as an initial screening marker |
| Toxin A (TcdA) | A tissue-damaging enterotoxin (a poison that harms the gut lining) | Attracts immune cells to the colon and causes inflammation |
| Toxin B (TcdB) | A potent cytotoxin (a cell-killing poison) | Damages and destroys the lining cells of the colon |
Testing all three together follows a two-step approach recommended by international guidelines: GDH screens for the presence of the bacteria, and Toxin A/B confirms whether those bacteria are actively producing harmful substances.
Why is a C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test Done?
This test is ordered when a patient shows signs that may point to a C. difficile infection. A detailed clinical history is required when submitting this test.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are the most common reasons a doctor may request this test:
- Persistent watery diarrhoea (three or more loose stools within 24 hours)
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify the following conditions:
- Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a contagious bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea and colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, where recent antibiotic use disrupts normal gut bacteria and allows C. diff to grow
- Pseudomembranous colitis, a severe form of colon inflammation with plaque-like lesions that can be serious if not identified promptly
- A range of disease severity from mild, self-limiting diarrhoea to complications such as bowel obstruction
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but there are important steps to follow to ensure the sample is collected correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before collecting a stool sample for this test. There are no dietary restrictions either. The most important preparation steps relate to how and when you collect the sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure your sample is suitable for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical background, as this is required for the test.
- Collect only a loose or liquid stool sample; formed stools are not suitable for this test.
- Keep the sample away from urine, water, and toilet paper during collection.
- Inform your doctor about any current antibiotic use or recent hospital admissions.
- Deliver the sample to the laboratory as quickly as possible, or refrigerate it (at 2 to 8 °C) immediately after collection.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the sample collection process:
- You will receive a sterile, sealed container from Lupin Diagnostics for collecting the stool sample.
- Pass a loose or liquid stool directly into the container, taking care not to mix in urine, water, or toilet paper.
- Fill the container to the indicated mark (approximately 5 grams of stool is required).
- Seal the container firmly and label it clearly with your name and sample details.
- Refrigerate the sample immediately if you cannot reach the laboratory within a short time; do not leave it at room temperature.
- Hand the sample over to the collection team or transport it to your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre promptly so it can be tested using the immunochromatography method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the reliability of your test result:
- Delay in delivering the sample to the lab; C. diff toxin can break down within two hours at room temperature
- Leaving the sample unrefrigerated for extended periods
- Submitting a formed stool sample instead of a loose or liquid one
- Heavily bloodstained samples (more than 40% blood content)
- Recent antibiotic use, which can alter gut bacteria and influence the outcome
Understanding Your C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test Results
This test produces qualitative results only. A doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other clinical findings. The table below explains the possible result combinations:
| GDH Result | Toxin A & B Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Not Detected | Not Detected | C. difficile infection is unlikely; symptoms are probably caused by something else |
| Detected | Detected | Active C. difficile infection is likely; the bacteria are present and producing harmful toxins |
| Detected | Not Detected | Bacteria are present but may not be actively causing infection; further PCR testing may be needed to clarify |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted.
- C. diff toxin is unstable at room temperature. If a sample is not refrigerated or tested promptly, the toxin may degrade and produce a falsely negative result even when infection is present.
- In infants under two years of age, C. difficile can be present as part of normal gut bacteria. A positive result in this age group may reflect colonisation rather than active infection, and testing is generally not recommended in this group.
- Patients who are elderly, are on chemotherapy, or have chronic kidney disease are at a higher risk of CDI. Their results carry a higher clinical significance and should be reviewed carefully by their doctor.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general habits can support gut health and reduce the risk of C. difficile infection:
- Use antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor; avoid unnecessary or prolonged antibiotic courses.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet; alcohol-based sanitisers do not protect against C. diff spores.
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate fibre to support healthy gut bacteria.
Lupin Diagnostics C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test Price and Home Collection
The C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹3,000, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 3000 |
| CHENNAI | 3000 |
| HYDERABAD | 3000 |
| KOLKATA | 3000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3000 |
| PUNE | 3000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH test home collection is available across multiple cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained professional will deliver a sterile container to your home for stool collection. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are shared directly with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to diagnose Clostridioides difficile infection. It detects three markers in a stool sample simultaneously: GDH (which indicates the bacteria are present) and Toxins A and B (which confirm whether those bacteria are producing harmful substances). It helps doctors identify the cause of persistent diarrhoea, particularly in patients who have recently taken antibiotics.
This test is recommended for anyone with three or more loose or watery stools per day, especially if they have recently taken antibiotics, been hospitalised, are elderly, or have a weakened immune system. A doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history before requesting the test.
Only a fresh, unformed stool sample is acceptable. This means a loose or liquid stool (the kind that takes the shape of the container). Formed or solid stools are not suitable for this test. The sample must be collected in the sterile container provided by the laboratory.
The C. diff toxin is chemically unstable. It can break down at room temperature within approximately two hours of collection, which may cause the test to return a falsely negative result. Refrigerating the sample at 2 to 8 °C and delivering it to the lab as soon as possible helps prevent this.
A positive GDH result with a negative toxin result means that C. difficile bacteria are present in the gut but may not be actively producing toxins at a detectable level. This could indicate colonisation rather than active infection. Your doctor may request a molecular (PCR) test to get a clearer picture.
No. This test is not intended to monitor treatment progress. When treatment is successful, symptoms (particularly diarrhoea) subside and stools return to their normal formed consistency. That clinical improvement is the indicator of recovery. Repeat testing after a confirmed positive result is not recommended.
C. Difficile Toxin A & B and GDH, Stool Test: Booking, Price, and Results
