Atruchecks

About Clostridium difficile swab test

What is Clostridium difficile?

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is typically a soil-dwelling bacterium which can live in the human colon. Spread of clostridium difficile usually occurs through oral consumption of substances contaminated with faecal matter containing bacterial spores. The presence of C. difficile can be a part of natural healthy gut bacteria but can also cause infections, often after a course of antibiotics which affect the balance of gut bacteria. C. difficile infection (CDI) causes symptoms due to toxins released by the bacteria and is most common in individuals over the age of 65. Symptoms of CDI include diarrhoea, dehydration, abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite.

Why take the test?

This swab test screens for the presence of C. difficile in the rectum. It is used to diagnose the presence of C. difficile and CDI.

What's tested

Clostridium Difficile

How it works

Purchase your Kit

Just order a test online and get your kit delivered right to your door unless you are ordering a COVID-19 Fit to Fly test where you will be given appointment options to attend our clinics across the United Kingdom for a nose and throat swab PCR test at the checkout stage.

Take your test and post

Follow our simple instructions to take your sample and post back the enclosed prepaid envelope to our accredited lab for processing. We also offer home or workplace visits by a qualified nurse. For COVID-19 Fit to Fly tests you must attend one of our partner clinics for our trained collection officers to take your sample. You will then have the results emailed to you.