Outcome of Electronic Order Alert Intervention Relative to Toxigenic Clostridium difficile PCR Analysis and Hospital-Onset C difficile Infection in a Multihospital Health Care System

Abstract

Objectives: Concern exists regarding overdiagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) via molecular modalities. We determined effects of a preanalytic order intervention on laboratory and CDI prevention measures in a multihospital system.

Methods: Intervals before and following implementation of a CDI electronic order alert (relative to appropriate testing scenario) were assessed for C difficile test volume and positivity rate, hospital-onset CDI frequency, and hospital-onset C difficile standardized infection ratio (SIR). C difficile detection occurred by PCR throughout the study.

Results: During the first half of 2015, testing volume was 1,578, with 88 hospital-onset CDIs. Following implementation, 18.9% and 56.8% reductions in volume and hospital-onset CDIs were realized, respectively, in the first half of 2017. Regression analysis revealed decreasing trends in PCR volume, positivity rate, hospital-onset CDI frequency, and SIR in larger facilities.

Conclusions: Preanalytic considerations affect not only the microbiology laboratory but also hospital infection prevention in the context of CDI.

Keywords: Clostridium difficile; Hospital-onset infection; PCR; Preanalytic considerations.