Frequency of sample submission for optimal utilization of the cell culture cytotoxicity assay for detection of Clostridium difficile toxin

J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Jun;43(6):2994-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.6.2994-2995.2005.

Abstract

We reviewed the results of repeated sample submissions within a 7-day time frame for Clostridium difficile toxin testing. A total of 2,940 samples were tested during a 3-month period using a cell culture cytotoxicity assay (CCCA). The results from all second samples (n = 1,101) were concordant with the original test result. In only two cases (0.8%; n = 247) was a third sample positive when the first two samples were negative. In this study, submission of multiple samples for CCCA did not increase detection of Clostridium difficile infection.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Toxins / analysis*
  • Bacterial Toxins / toxicity*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Clostridioides difficile / metabolism
  • Clostridioides difficile / pathogenicity
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / diagnosis*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / microbiology
  • Fibroblasts
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins