Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | C. diff Toxin PCR, C. difficile NAAT, Clostridioides difficile Toxin A/B PCR, CDI PCR Test, CD Toxin Gene Detection |
| Sample Type | Fresh, unformed (liquid or soft) stool |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily adults with recent antibiotic use, hospitalisation, or symptoms of C. difficile infection |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,500 |
What is a Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test?
The PCR test for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a molecular diagnostic test used to detect the presence of toxin-producing C. difficile bacteria in a stool sample. It uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which amplifies specific regions of the bacterium's DNA to identify whether harmful toxin genes are present. Doctors commonly prescribe this test when a patient has persistent diarrhoea, especially after a recent course of antibiotics or a hospital stay. The test is also known as the C. diff Toxin PCR, CDI PCR Test, or Clostridioides difficile Toxin A/B PCR.
What Does a Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test Measure?
This test looks for specific toxin-producing genes in your stool sample. The table below explains what each target detects:
| Target | What It Detects |
|---|---|
| Toxin A gene (tcdA) | Genetic material linked to one of the two main toxins produced by C. difficile |
| Toxin B gene (tcdB) | Genetic material linked to the second, more potent toxin; the primary target in most PCR assays |
| Hypervirulent strain markers (027/NAP1/BI) | Presumptive identification of a particularly aggressive C. difficile strain associated with severe disease |
A positive result means toxin-producing C. difficile DNA was found in the sample. A negative result means these toxin genes were not detected.
Why is a Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a C. difficile infection (CDI), most often in patients with unexplained diarrhoea following antibiotic treatment or a period of hospitalisation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to recommend this PCR test:
- Watery or loose diarrhoea that persists for more than two days
- Abdominal (tummy) pain and cramping
- Fever or high temperature
- Bloody or foul-smelling stools
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify the following conditions:
- C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), a form of diarrhoea that develops in the colon following antibiotic use
- Pseudomembranous colitis, a severe inflammation of the colon lining
- General colitis (inflammation of the bowel)
- C. difficile-associated disease ranging from mild diarrhoea to severe colitis
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The key requirement is collecting the right type of stool sample and handling it correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. There is no fasting requirement for this test. You can eat and drink as normal before collecting your sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you collect your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, recent antibiotic use, and any relevant medical background, as this is required for the test.
- Obtain a sterile, leak-proof screw-capped container from the laboratory beforehand.
- Collect only fresh, unformed (liquid or soft) stool; formed stool will not be accepted.
- Do not mix the sample with urine, toilet water, or tissue paper.
- Once collected, refrigerate the sample immediately and deliver it to the laboratory as soon as possible.
- Only a small amount of stool, roughly 5 grams (about one to two teaspoons), is needed.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Collecting a stool sample at home is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Collect a sterile, leak-proof container from the Lupin Diagnostics centre or arrange one through your home collection booking.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the toilet bowl, held in place by the seat, to catch the stool without it touching the toilet water.
- Transfer a small portion (about 5 grams) of the stool into the container using the attached spoon. Avoid using absorbent materials such as paper or matchboxes.
- Seal the container tightly and label it with your name and the date and time of collection.
- Refrigerate the sample immediately at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius if you cannot deliver it right away.
- Deliver the sealed sample to the laboratory or hand it to the home collection technician within 24 hours of collection.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can affect the reliability of your PCR test result:
- Delay in delivery or failure to refrigerate the sample (toxin genes degrade quickly at room temperature)
- Submitting a formed stool sample rather than unformed stool
- Contamination of the sample with urine, water, or toilet tissue
- Recent use of laxatives
- Repeat testing within seven days of a previous result in the same illness episode
Understanding Your Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test Results
Results from this test are reported as either Detected (positive) or Not Detected (negative). The table below provides a simple overview:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Not Detected (Negative) | Toxin-producing C. difficile genes were not found in the stool sample. C. difficile infection is unlikely. |
| Detected (Positive) | Toxin-producing C. difficile genes were found. This suggests a C. difficile infection, but your doctor will assess this alongside your symptoms. |
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
Some situations may affect how a positive result is interpreted:
- Some individuals carry C. difficile in their gut without having an active infection. A positive PCR test cannot, on its own, distinguish an active infection from this asymptomatic carriage, so your doctor will assess the result alongside your clinical symptoms.
- In infants aged 12 months or younger, asymptomatic carriage is particularly common. Treatment may not be necessary even when the test is positive, and your doctor will decide the appropriate course of action.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits may help reduce the risk of C. difficile infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Avoid unnecessary or self-prescribed antibiotic use, as antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria and increase susceptibility to C. difficile.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces with bleach-based disinfectants, particularly in healthcare or shared-living settings.
Lupin Diagnostics Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test Price and Home Collection
The PCR test for C. difficile at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,500. Home sample collection is available across cities, making it easier to get tested without visiting a centre.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2500 |
| CHENNAI | 2500 |
| HYDERABAD | 2500 |
| KOLKATA | 2500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2500 |
| PUNE | 2500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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 home stool sample collection across multiple cities through trained collection staff. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Your digital report will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to detect the presence of toxin-producing Clostridioides difficile bacteria in a stool sample. It is primarily ordered for patients with persistent diarrhoea following antibiotic use or hospitalisation. The PCR test procedure involves identifying specific toxin gene sequences in the stool using real-time PCR technology.
This test is typically recommended for anyone with watery diarrhoea that has lasted more than two days and has no other clear cause, particularly after a course of antibiotics. Older adults (above 65 years) and people who have recently been hospitalised are at higher risk of C. difficile infection and are more likely to need this test.
A positive result cannot always distinguish an active infection from asymptomatic carriage. Details such as recent antibiotic use, symptoms, and previous test results all help with correct diagnosis.
PCR is one of the most sensitive and specific methods for detecting C. difficile. Studies have shown sensitivity of up to 100% and specificity of around 99.2% when compared with toxigenic culture. However, a positive result still requires clinical correlation, as the test may detect DNA in individuals who carry the bacteria without active infection.
A false-negative result is possible if the stool sample was not refrigerated promptly, was collected too long before testing, or was a formed (solid) stool rather than unformed stool. Submitting the correct type of sample and ensuring timely delivery significantly reduces this risk.
The PCR test is not recommended as a test of cure because C. difficile DNA can remain detectable in stool even after successful treatment. A positive result after treatment does not necessarily mean the infection is still active. Your doctor will rely on your symptoms to judge whether treatment has worked.
Cl. Difficile Toxin A/B Detection - PCR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
