Three-centre evaluation of laboratory Clostridium difficile detection algorithms and the EntericBio ® realtime C. difficile assay.

The comparatively high cost of laboratory detection methods for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) coupled to a low prevalence rate has resulted in testing algorithms that use cheaper and relatively sensitive screening methods, followed by more specific confirmatory methods. The aim of this prospectively-conducted study from two centres in the UK, and one in the Republic of Ireland was to determine the efficacy of the EntericBio® realtime C. difficile Assay (EBCD) for the detection of toxigenic C. difficile in stool samples.