How is Clostridium difficile colitis diagnosed?
The disease may be suspected if a person has been taking, or is currently taking, antibiotics and is suffering with abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. A diagnosis is made by a laboratory test using a stool sample to confirm whether or not the toxin is present in the intestine. The results are usually available within 24 hours. A person may have Clostridium difficile in their stool but without the symptoms of diarrhoea – it is unlikely that they would have Clostridium difficile colitis.
