Clostridium perfringens

TEST NAME Clostridium perfringens
DISEASE/DISORDER Bacteremia, emphysematous cholecystitis, gastroenteritis, gas gangrene,clostridial myonecrosis 
ALTERNATE NAME(S) C. perfringens
METHODOLOGY Culture
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Contact CEDEP if foodborne outbreak is suspected.
ORDERING INFORMATION Lab Web Portal

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • None
Specimen Collection
  • Stool

 - C&S Culture Transport Media (i.e. ParaPak)

- Semisolid or liquid transport media (i.e. Cary Blair or Amies)

- Commercially available enteric transport medium

  • Isolate

-Media that maintains anaerobic conditions (i.e. chopped meat broth, thioglycolate broth)

- Commercially available anaerobic transport media/system
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers along with specimen source and match accompanying test order.
Specimen Processing
  • None
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Stool specimens and isolates should be stored at ambient temperature.
Specimen Transport
  • Ship stool specimens and isolates at ambient temperature.
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection
  • Specimens that do not adhere to all specimen requirements will be rejected.
Testing Location
  • Nashville

This Page Last Updated: September 15, 2025 at 7:43 AM