Clostridium difficile: a questionnaire survey of laboratory practice in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Since January 2004, the incidence of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) has been monitored by a systematic, national, laboratory surveillance system. This system incorporates the recommendations of a body of experts, the National Clostridium difficile Standards Group, which was convened in 2002 to advise the Department of Health (DoH). The recommendations of the group were informed by a questionnaire survey of current practice, and the results of that survey have been used to assess the implications of the recommendations on laboratory practice. Large variability was found as to the specimens selected, tested, and reported on for C. difficile. Standardisation of the diagnosis and reporting of CDAD is desirable and necessary to increase understanding of its epidemiology.