Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test
About Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | C. diff Toxin A/B + GDH Test, Clostridioides difficile Toxin Test, C. difficile GDH and Toxin A/B, CDI Panel, C. diff Antigen and Toxin Test |
| Sample Type | Fresh, unformed (liquid or soft) stool |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 day |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily adults (rarely indicated for children under 2 years) |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,500 |
What is a Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test?
The Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test is a stool test that checks for the presence of a bacterium called Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and the harmful toxins it produces. Doctors order this test when a patient has persistent, unexplained diarrhoea, particularly after recent antibiotic use or a hospital stay. A fresh, unformed stool sample is used for analysis. This test is also referred to as the C. diff Toxin A/B + GDH test or the CDI Panel.
What Does a Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test Measure?
The Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test procedure examines two distinct components in the stool sample. Testing both together improves accuracy and helps confirm whether an active infection is present.
| Parameter | What it Detects |
|---|---|
| Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GDH) Antigen | A protein produced by all C. difficile bacteria; used as an initial screening marker to detect the bacteria's presence |
| Toxin A | A toxin released by certain strains of C. difficile that damages the gut lining and causes symptoms |
| Toxin B | A toxin released alongside Toxin A; directly responsible for inflammation and diarrhoea in infected individuals |
Why is a Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a C. difficile infection based on symptoms and risk factors. Here is a closer look at when it may be needed.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly when they appear during or after antibiotic treatment, may prompt a doctor to order this test.
- Frequent, watery diarrhoea (three or more loose stools per day)
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced urination
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use this test to investigate or confirm several gastrointestinal conditions.
- Active C. difficile infection (CDI), the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea worldwide
- Pseudomembranous colitis (severe inflammation of the colon lining caused by C. difficile toxins)
- Toxic megacolon (a rare but serious complication involving abnormal widening of the colon)
- Antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon following antibiotic use)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test. However, how you collect and transport the sample matters greatly for accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally. However, sample freshness is critical, so read the preparation tips carefully.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before collecting your sample.
- Collect a fresh, liquid or soft (unformed) stool sample only; formed stools are generally not suitable for this test
- Do not allow the sample to mix with urine, water, or toilet paper, as this affects accuracy
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any recent antibiotic use or hospitalisations, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, especially antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors (medicines that reduce stomach acid)
- Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicines before sample collection unless your doctor has specifically advised it
- Transport the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible; if there is any delay, keep it refrigerated
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what the sample collection and testing process looks like.
- Collect a fresh, unformed stool sample in the clean, sterile container provided by Lupin Diagnostics; ensure it is properly sealed and labelled.
- Make sure the sample is not contaminated with urine, water, or toilet paper.
- Take the sample to the laboratory immediately, or refrigerate it (at 2 to 8°C) if there is a short delay in transport.
- The laboratory will store the sample frozen at the required temperature until testing begins.
- Trained laboratory staff will analyse the sample using the immunochromatography method to detect the GDH antigen and Toxins A and B.
- Results are prepared and delivered within 1 day through your preferred digital channel.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of your Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test results.
- Delay in transporting the stool sample; C. difficile toxin degrades at room temperature within approximately two hours of collection
- Contamination of the sample with urine or water
- Not refrigerating the sample when transport is delayed
- Recent use of antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors
- Collecting a formed (solid) stool sample instead of an unformed one
Understanding Your Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test Results
Results from this test are reported as qualitative values, meaning each parameter is either detected or not detected. Your doctor will review these alongside your clinical history to make an informed assessment.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Possible Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| GDH Antigen | Not Detected (Negative) | Detected (Positive) |
| Toxin A | Not Detected (Negative) | Detected (Positive) |
| Toxin B | Not Detected (Negative) | Detected (Positive) |
A negative result for all three parameters suggests that C. difficile is likely not the cause of the symptoms. If GDH is positive but toxins are negative, it may indicate the bacteria are present but not producing toxins at a detectable level; further confirmatory testing, such as PCR, may be recommended. If both GDH and toxins are positive, an active C. difficile infection is likely.
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 circumstances can affect how results are interpreted.
Recent antibiotic use disrupts the balance of gut bacteria and is the most common trigger for C. difficile overgrowth; your doctor will factor this in when reviewing a positive result. Advanced age (above 65 years), a weakened immune system, recent hospitalisation, or living in a long-term care facility are recognised risk factors that may increase the likelihood of infection. Use of proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid, may also make the gut more susceptible to C. difficile.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits can support gut health and reduce the risk of C. difficile infection.
- Complete any prescribed course of antibiotics exactly as directed by your doctor; do not stop early or self-medicate.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating; alcohol-based sanitisers are less effective against C. difficile spores.
- Speak with your doctor about whether probiotic supplements may be appropriate for you, especially during or after antibiotic treatment.
Lupin Diagnostics Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test Price and Home Collection
The Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹2,500, with home sample collection available across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2500 |
| CHENNAI | 2500 |
| HYDERABAD | 2500 |
| KOLKATA | 2500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test online is simple and takes just a few steps.
- 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH test home collection across cities for your convenience. Sample collection is carried out by trained, certified phlebotomists who provide sterile containers and guide you through proper collection. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your report is accessible digitally once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to determine whether Clostridium difficile bacteria and their toxins are present in the stool, causing diarrhoea and related symptoms. It helps doctors distinguish a C. difficile infection from other causes of diarrhoea. The results guide appropriate treatment decisions.
GDH screening detects the presence of C. difficile bacteria, but a positive GDH result alone does not confirm an active infection. Testing for Toxin A and Toxin B alongside GDH provides a clearer picture: if both GDH and the toxins are detected, an active infection is more likely. This two-step approach improves diagnostic accuracy compared to testing either marker alone.
This test is recommended for individuals who have unexplained diarrhoea (three or more loose stools per day) and one or more risk factors such as recent antibiotic use, hospitalisation, advanced age, or a weakened immune system. It is generally not indicated for patients with formed stools or no symptoms.
Use the sterile container provided by Lupin Diagnostics to collect a fresh, unformed stool sample. Avoid contaminating it with urine or water. Take it to the laboratory immediately. If there is any unavoidable delay, keep the sample refrigerated; do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Repeat testing after a confirmed positive result is generally not advised, as it does not provide additional useful information. Molecular tests in particular can remain positive for weeks even after a person has recovered and has no symptoms. Your doctor will assess recovery based on the resolution of symptoms rather than repeat testing.
Your report will be delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp within 1 day of sample collection. Share the results with your doctor, who will interpret them in context with your clinical history and symptoms. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or change any medications based on the report alone.
Coverage depends on your individual health insurance policy. Many insurance plans cover diagnostic tests when ordered by a registered doctor. Check with your insurer or Lupin Diagnostics at the time of booking for guidance on claims and reimbursement.
Clostridium difficile Toxin A+B, GDH Test
