Inverness Medical launches new C diff check

Inverness Medical has launched a new test for Clostridium difficile (C diff) that is said to bring results within a 30-minute period.

The in vitro diagnostic aid can detect all types of the disease, which can be highly dangerous for elderly patients or those with a compromised immune system.

According to the company, the Quik Chek Complete provides screening for the toxins A and B while identifying the presence of toxigen C via faecal samples.

"Patients can be effectively isolated at an earlier stage of illness, reducing the risk of cross contamination and widespread outbreaks," Inverness Medical said in a statement.

Symptoms experienced by those with C diff include diarrhoea and a fever.

The NHS states that only in "rare cases" is it fatal, although a seven per cent rise in the number of cases was discovered in the 12-month period from 2005 to 2006. The health department describes C diff as "extremely contagious".