Test for C Difficile

Clostridium difficile is caused by a bacterium. If you become infected with C. difficile, you will experience severe diarrhea and develop a severe infection of your colon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main mode of transmission for C. difficile is through fecal matter. Surfaces such as toilets or doorknobs can contain the bacterium. If you don't wash your hands after using the restroom or touch a contaminated surface, the bacterium can also spread this way. If you're suffering from severe diarrhea, tests will be conducted to determine the cause.

Stool Culture

• It is very common for a physician to require a stool sample from a patient when they suffer from bouts of diarrhea. Your physician will ask you to provide samples throughout several days (about three days). The intent of a stool culture is to determine if there is any C. difficile within your stool. Many medical laboratories use what is known as an enzyme immunoassay test. An EIA is an exam that can provide a quicker result. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, an EIA test can provide a false positive. If a false positive comes back, you will need to provide a tissue sample.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

• With a flexible sigmoidoscopy, your physician uses a small tube known as sigmoidoscope to insert into your rectum. The tube is guided towards your colon. On the end of the tube is a camera. The sigmoidoscope also contains a channel that can allow your physician to pump air into your colon, which allows a better view of your colon lining. During the procedure, your physician may take a biopsy.

Imaging Test

• A computerized tomography, or CT scan is ordered when your physician is concerned about the possibility of you developing a complication from C. difficile, such as kidney failure. A CT scan will provide a precise image of your colon. A CT scan can also detect any abnormalities of your colon, such as scarring or thickening of your colon wall.

C. Difficile Complications

• Any severe bout of diarrhea can lead to dehydration and the loss of electrolytes. This can be dangerous, as your blood pressure can drop drastically. If you have severe diarrhea, and notice that you're becoming increasingly thirsty, try to drink small amounts of liquids like Gatorade. Other complications resulting from C. difficile can include kidney failure, bowel perforation, and toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon can result in the rupturing of your colon. Death can also occur from C. difficile.

Prevention/Solution

• Always wash your hands, especially after using the restroom. The biggest reason for the transmission and spreading of bacterium is due to inadequate hand washing. Don't use antibiotics unless it's absolutely necessary. You don't need antibiotics if you're suffering from the cold or flu. The overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant strains of bacterium, such as C. difficile. If you have C. difficile, clean surface areas thoroughly with a bleach and water solution, and a clean sponge. A capful of bleach and one cup of water is sufficient to clean a surface area, such as your kitchen. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular household cleaning products are not enough to kill C. difficile.