Nonutility of repeat laboratory testing for detection of Clostridium difficile by use of PCR or enzyme immunoassay

J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Nov;46(11):3795-7. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00684-08. Epub 2008 Sep 10.

Abstract

The diagnostic gains of repeat testing for Clostridium difficile by enzyme immunoassay and PCR (i.e., initial negative result followed by positive result) within a 7-day period were 1.9 and 1.7%, respectively. There is little value of repeat testing for C. difficile by enzyme immunoassay or PCR.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Clostridioides difficile / isolation & purification*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods