Need Advice on C Diff testing with fast turn around time

If you have had or are considering an FMT please share your experiences here.
MKW
Regular Contributor
Posts: 392
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 9:49 am

Need Advice on C Diff testing with fast turn around time

Postby MKW » Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:57 am

I am posting as part of the FMT Discussion since my concerns about testing are related to my upcoming FMT procedure.
In brief, I am 45 year old otherwise healthy female, my history is 3 C Diff recurrences over the past half year. I was treated with Flagyl twice, made it about a month after 2nd round, recurred again, then Vanco with 6 week taper/pulse, made it about a month, then recurred again, now 6 weeks into another Vanco with taper/pulse for 12 weeks. My GI practice does not do the FMT procedure. The doctors I have seen have very limited experience at dealing with recurrent C Diff to make a long story short. I have decided I want to pursue the FMT Procedure during this window on the Vanco, and found a specialty clinic that does the procedure about an hour away at University of Virginia. So, this complicates my situation a little because I'm dealing with a doctor out of town. I am supposed to be called Monday to be scheduled, likely 2-3 weeks from now.

My question is - what is the best means to obtain C Diff testing with a fast turnaround time? For example, if I have a lab order from my doctor would a hospital lab do the test for me with quick results? My ER co-pay is $250, so I want avoid having to pay $250 for a C Diff test of course.

Here is why I don't know this already and why it is important for me. ... For my last 2 occurrences, my symptoms have progressed to severe quickly. I have submitted my stool samples to a local urgent care center which is also my primary care physician. Their turnaround time is 2- 4 days for the test. My GI doctor has told me to go ahead and start on Vanco due to my symptoms without waiting for the test results. C Diff symptoms vary with people. I am not someone with indeterminate vague symptoms. I go from perfectly healthy to watery yellow once an hour or more stools with c diff odor within about 24 hours. My symptoms are extreme. I fear if there were a delay in me stating meds past 48 hours I would end up hospitalized.

Following the FMT procedure, from what my doctor said and what I've read on here, people can experience episodes of diarrhea and scares of recurrence. I could need to go for a test. But it would be imperative to not take any meds if uncertain I was recurring, because it could ruin the replenished bacteria from the FMT. Also, this doctor treats with Dificid only. So I wouldn't have any sitting on my dresser. I would have to locate a pharmacy with it ($600 my part), or mail order it overnight (for $200), which would again be a delay.

So, I have to find a way to plan for that possible scenario, that does not involve waiting 4 days for test results, and me ending up hospitalized. If anyone has any advice or tips for me, I would really appreciate it.

Side note - as part of my FMT I can participate in a research study concerning the effects of FMT on the immune response, specifically eosinophils:
http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/a ... a9f81.html

Melanie

NanciT
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Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:01 pm

Re: Need Advice on C Diff testing with fast turn around time

Postby NanciT » Mon Feb 20, 2017 12:09 am

The best way to handle this is to call the lab and or hospital lab and ask their turn around times for CDIFF PCR testing. Some labs will "send out" certain tests. Many hospitals do these in house. The issues often becomes the results are sent to the MD, they will not give you the results. The doctor usually knows what labs are quick with results, actually his nurse would have this information also. You may want to call the nurse first, she should be able to guide you on this.
NanciT

beth22
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Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:23 pm

Re: Need Advice on C Diff testing with fast turn around time

Postby beth22 » Mon Feb 20, 2017 3:20 am

The quickest for me have been hospital labs. I would call as Nanci suggested and ask.

MKW
Regular Contributor
Posts: 392
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 9:49 am

Re: Need Advice on C Diff testing with fast turn around time

Postby MKW » Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:52 pm

Thanks for the advice. I plan to call the hospital labs local to me to inquire. I spoke to the nurse at the specialist's office today, and she said as NanciT stated, most hospitals typically do in-house, and typical turn around time is 1 day. The problem is since they are out of town from me, the nurse is not familiar with the hospitals in my area.... I am also in shock in dealing with this new specialist's office - I got someone on the phone when I called the first time that answered my question and discussed my concerns with me. This is a miracle to me at this point. Typical call back time from my previous GI specialist was 3 days, if at all, to have anything answered. So, am feeling hopeful I may finally be seeing a doctor that is experienced in treating recurrent sufferers.


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