What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea, especially after taking antibiotics or staying in a hospital. It helps identify whether Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria is causing your digestive symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, fever, or watery stools. This infection can be serious if left untreated, so getting tested helps your doctor provide the right treatment quickly.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether C. diff was detected and what it means for your digestive health. These notes include specific guidance on next steps, such as whether you need antibiotics, probiotics, or dietary changes to support recovery. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your results over time if retesting is needed to confirm treatment success.

What's included in this test?

This test measures C. difficile toxin, GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) enzyme, and includes automatic reflex to PCR molecular testing if initial results are indeterminate. This comprehensive test first screens for C. diff toxin and GDH (an enzyme the bacteria produces), providing rapid initial results. If results are unclear or indicate possible infection, the test automatically advances to PCR molecular testing for definitive confirmation. This two-step approach ensures accurate diagnosis while avoiding false positives, giving you and your doctor the most reliable information about whether C. diff is causing your symptoms.

How should I prepare for this test?

You'll need to pick up a sterile collection container from Quest before the test. Collect a fresh stool sample in the container without any media, preservative, or metal ions. After collection, freeze the specimen and return it to the lab as soon as possible to ensure accurate results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone with diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two, especially if you've recently taken antibiotics or been hospitalized. It's also important for people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, or those experiencing fever, abdominal pain, or blood in their stool. Healthcare workers or anyone exposed to C. diff should also consider testing if symptoms develop.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Key symptoms include watery diarrhea three or more times per day, abdominal cramping or tenderness, fever, loss of appetite, and nausea. You may also experience blood or pus in your stool, dehydration, or rapid weight loss. These symptoms typically appear after antibiotic use or following a hospital stay, though they can occur in other situations as well.

What is C. diff and why does it matter?

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon and produces toxins leading to severe diarrhea and intestinal damage. It matters because it can become life-threatening if untreated, especially in vulnerable populations, and it spreads easily in healthcare settings. Antibiotics often disrupt your gut's healthy bacteria, allowing C. diff to multiply and cause infection.

How can I prevent C. diff infection?

Practice thorough handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers don't kill C. diff spores effectively. Only take antibiotics when truly necessary and complete the full prescribed course. If you're hospitalized or visiting healthcare facilities, be vigilant about hygiene and ask healthcare workers to wash their hands before contact. Probiotics during and after antibiotic treatment may also help maintain healthy gut bacteria.

What happens if my test is positive for C. diff?

Your doctor will likely prescribe specific antibiotics designed to treat C. diff infection, such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin. You'll need to stay well-hydrated and may benefit from probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria after treatment. It's important to practice strict hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others, and you may need follow-up testing to confirm the infection has cleared.

How often should I retest for C. diff?

Retesting is typically done only if symptoms persist or return after treatment, not routinely after a positive result. Your doctor may order a follow-up test 2-3 weeks after completing treatment if diarrhea continues, as some people experience recurrent infections. However, testing too soon after treatment can show positive results even when you're no longer infectious, so timing is important.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

C. Diff Test - Diarrhea & Digestive Infection Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

C. Diff Test for Severe Diarrhea and Digestive Infection

Clostridium difficile Toxin/GDH with Reflex to PCR

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

C. Diff Test for Severe Diarrhea and Digestive Infection

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say