NOCARDIA SMEAR

Test Code

NOCRS

CPT Codes
87206

Includes

Semi-quantitation of bacteria if smear is positive

Preferred Specimen

Sterile container; If sample is tissue, place on sterile gauze moistened with sterile saline and place in sterile container.

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature or Refrigerate up to 3 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Frozen

Methodology
Modified (Partial) Acid Fast Stain and microscopic observation.

Setup Schedule

M, Tu, W, Th, F, Su

Clinical Significance

To provide presumptive identification of some actinomycetes organisms; Nocardia sp., Gordonia sp., etc. Culture required for definitive identification.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMIC (Microbiology)

Last Updated: April 25, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.