Potential for Transmission of Spores by Patients Awaiting Laboratory Testing to Confirm Suspected Clostridium difficile Infection

Abstract

In a prospective study of inpatients tested for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), skin and environmental contamination were common at the time of the order for CDI testing, and there were often delays in completion of testing. Preemptive isolation of patients with suspected CDI may reduce the risk of transmission.