Audit of the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection in the UK

A UK-wide audit of the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) was undertaken by the Association of Clinical Pathologists and the Royal College of Pathologists, in conjunction with Keele University. A postal questionnaire was sent out to all Consultant Microbiologists, with eighty responses available for analysis. There was considerable variation in laboratory practices. In particular, only 56% of laboratories gave guidance on follow-up testing of toxin-negative samples, 68% provided a 7 day per week diagnostic service and 66% would routinely communicate positive inpatient toxin results to ward nursing or just medical staff. To ensure a consistent approach to the diagnosis of CDI, laboratories require more detailed and prescriptive guidance than is currently available.