For further advice either speak to the nurse looking after you or

contact
Infection Prevention and Control Team
on
01502 719 518

Compliments, comments, concerns or complaints

What is
Patient Liaison -
may be the best starting point if you have a question or concern about the
NHS. If you would like to find an NHS dentist, know where your nearest
doctor is or talk through a problem you have had with a service, you can

GDH positive
contact the PALS service.

To contact Patient Liaison Manager:

Call 01502 718666
Monday to Friday,
Email: [email protected]
Or write to:
Patient Liaison Manager
toxin negative
ECCH
1 Common Lane North
Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9BN
Clostridium
If you would like this leaflet in large print, audio cassette, Braille or in
a different language please contact Andrea Dawson on 01502 718600
or Email:[email protected]
Difficile?
Jei šios publikacijos kopija noretumete gauti savo kalba prašome susisiekti
su Andrea Dawson on 01502 718600 or Email:[email protected]

Jezeli chcieliby Panstwo otrzymac niniejsza publikacje w tlumaczeniu na

jezyk polski, prosimy o kontakt z Andrea Dawson on 01502 718600 or Patient information leaflet
Email:[email protected]

Pokud byste chteli kopi této publikace ve Vašem jazyce, prosím

kontaktujteAndrea Dawson on 01502 718600 or
Email:[email protected]

Bu yayinin kendi dilinizde bir nüshasini isterseniz, lütfen Andrea Dawson

on 01502 718600 Email:[email protected]
Produced by East Coast Community Healthcare Infection,
Prevention and Control Team
Se pretender uma cópia desta publicação no seu idioma, por favor contacte Issued: November 2013
Andrea Dawson no número 01502 718600 Email:[email protected]
 What is Clostridium difficile?  Infection Control Precautions Continued .
Clostridium difficile (commonly called C.diff) is a bacteria present in Healthcare workers will wash their hands after treating every patient
the bowel of approximately 3% of healthy adults. It rarely causes affected with diarrhoea. To avoid the spread of infection staff caring for the
problems as it is kept under control by the normal bacteria in the patients will wear aprons and gloves.
bowel. However, when antibiotics are given, the balance in the You as the patient should wash your hands with liquid soap and
bowel can sometimes be disturbed, causing the C.diff to multiply water, •after using the toilet, •before preparing food, and
rapidly. •before eating.
In hospital patients who are GDH positive and have diarrhoea will be cared
 What does a GDH positive result mean for me? for in single rooms with either an en-suite or their own nominated toilet or
GDH is an abbreviation for Glutamate dehydrogenase, which is a commode.
chemical found in C.diff.
If the result is GDH positive a second test is performed to look for  How can my family and friends protect themselves when visiting?
toxins that are produced when C.diff is causing an infection. They must wash their hands every time they:
If the second stage of testing shows you do not have the toxins  Leave the single room •Before preparing food.
present, this means you do not have a C.diff infection, but you
carry the C.diff bacteria in your bowels.
 After using the toilet •Before eating
They should not visit if they are feeling unwell or have recently had
 What happens next? diarrhoea.
Once the GDH positive result is identified, your doctor will review your Avoid sitting on hospital beds when visiting .
current medication and if necessary change it, especially if you are Do not bring in food to eat whilst visiting.
currently taking an antibiotic that may cause C.diff bacteria to start Observe any restrictions that are in place as there help us to make sure the
producing toxins. ward is thoroughly clean throughout the day.
The majority of patients do not require treatment due to a positive  What precautions are needed at home?
GDH result. However, if your symptoms are severe your doctor may Having a GDH positive result will not stop you from going home if you are
decide to give you treatment. well. It is important to tell your GP or healthcare provider of the GDH positive
It is important to drink plenty of water whilst you have result when you see them in the future, especially if you require further
diarrhoea to stop yourself becoming dehydrated! antibiotic treatments.
Stop taking any anti-diarrhoea (antimotility) medication that you
might have been prescribed.  Special precautions when you are at home.
 Bathrooms, showers and toilets should be cleaned with a bleach based
cleaner using disposable paper towels where possible .If not individual
 Infection Control Precautions. cloths should be used making sure a separate one is used for the toilet
area.
Although you have not got a C.diff infection it is still possible for
 If possible do not leave toothbrushes, toothpaste and flannels, soap etc.
the bacteria present in your bowel to spread from person to
near to a toilet.
person. This is because the bacteria can spread from your bowel
 Clothes must be washed at as high a temperature as possible,
into the environment, contaminating surfaces, equipment,
according to the manufacturer instructions and either tumble dried or
bathrooms, toilets and showering facilities—this is more of a risk
ironed, ideally separate to other family members clothing.
whilst you are suffering from diarrhoea.
WASHING YOUR HANDS USING LIQUID SOAP & WATER IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. HAND SANITISER IS NOT
EFFECTIVE AGAINST C.DIFF BACTERIA