Replies to post #223840 on Biotech Values

[rfj1862]

The machine identifies c. Difficile as such (not by strain) without having to do a culture enabling doctors to prescribe the correct antibiotic drug more quickly.

I think you should probably do a bit more research before investing in this technology if that is the rationale they are using to justify it.

Few labs culture C diff except unless they are doing research on it. It is an obligate anaerobe and requires specialized equipment to culture in an oxygen-free environment.

The way it is tested is either:
1. A stool test for the presence of toxins
2. A nucleic acid amplification test

Both of which are rapid, easy, cheap and neither of which requires culture.

If either of these are positive, selecting an antibiotic is not difficult: oral vancomycin, oral fidaxomicin, or metronidazole (not preferred but still used).