During the COVID-19 surge last year, the federal government stopped the required reporting on healthcare-associated infections (HAI) thus leaving an absence of data and important information on HAI. One study examined the effect the initial pandemic surge had on Clostridioides Difficile infection (CDI) in one hospital.

Important things to understand about diagnosing C. difficile and recommendations for properly differentiating the condition from other diseases when working-up a patient.

Types of testing algorithms used in clinical practice to help clarify a diagnosis of C difficile infection.  

A panel of clinicians recognize the challenges associated with screening patients for the C. difficile infection and highlight factors that should prompt someone for an evaluation.  

Missed diagnosis resulted in delays in initiation of therapy and hospital re-admissions.

With labs blinding a specific panel, a C diff diagnosis can be masked and missed.