Evaluation of a two step testing algorithm to improve diagnostic accuracy and stewardship of Clostridioides difficile infections

Abstract

In response to national guidelines, we implemented a two-step testing algorithm for Clostridioides difficile in an effort to improve diagnostic accuracy. Following implementation, we analyzed treatment frequency between discordant and concordant patients. We found that the majority of discordant cases were treated with no significant differences in patient characteristics or outcomes between the concordant and discordant groups. Additionally, there were no differences in outcomes when discordant patients were further stratified by treatment status. Given little added diagnostic accuracy with the addition of EIA toxin testing, our facility resumed diagnosis by PCR testing alone. Further studies are needed to investigate alternative processes for improvement in diagnostic accuracy aside from toxin EIA testing including stool submission criteria and educational programs.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile infection; Diagnostic stewardship; Two-step testing.