Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Monday, 22 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 November 2010. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 December 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Clostridium Difficile: Screening

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the proportion of patients screened for the early detection of clostridium difficile.

Answer: For patients who develop diarrhoea, existing guidance, 'Clostridium difficile infection: How to deal with the problem', published by the Department and the Health Protection Agency, makes clear prompt testing is crucial. A copy has been placed in the Library.Expert advice is that screening of patients without symptoms for Clostridium difficile infection is unnecessary, as current evidence indicates that it is not clinically effective.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 26394; 519 c891-2W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2010-2115
Monday, 29 November 2010
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Screening Clostridium
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk