A sample of a stool is submitted for laboratory analysis. There are several laboratory methods used to detect C. difficile toxin in the stool specimen. For many years, a cell cytotoxin assay has been used. This method incubates the stool specimen in the laboratory with tissue culture cells that are monitored over 24 to 48 hours for a specific reaction.

More recently, an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect the toxins of C. difficile has been used. The EIA is faster, simpler to perform, and results are available in about an hour, but it is slightly less sensitive than the cell culture method.

There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.

Do not mix urine, water, or toilet tissue with the sample.

For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine, and stool can be prevented for a better sample.