Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)

Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of Clostridium difficile.

Pure culture, or 1.0 mL frozen stool sample.

N/A

Send as growth on culture medium or in transport medium. Send frozen stool samples on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Patient should have symptoms consistent with infection with C. difficile including toxin positive watery stool.

Completed Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections Requisition.

N/A

Fingerprints are compared to a national database.

10 calendar days.

In-house method.