Nocardia Stain

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

NOCSMR

Alias/See Also

70913

CPT Codes
87206*** When a culture is positive there will be a reflex

Preferred Specimen

Culture swab or sterile, leak proof container.

Instructions

Specify site.

Transport Container

Culture Swab (teal green cap), Sterile Container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature = 2 days
Refrigerated = 2 days
Frozen = unacceptable

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

Frozen specimen

Methodology
Partial Acid Fast Stain

Setup Schedule

Monday - Friday
MYC

Report Available

1 day

Clinical Significance

The clinical manifestations, severity and prognosis of Nocardiosis are extremely variable. In immunocompetent hosts, localized subcutaneous infections are most commonly seen, however invasive disease may also occur. Nocardia brasiliensis is the predominant causative agent of primary cutaneous infections. In immunocompromised patients, the most common clinical presentations are invasive pulmonary infection and disseminated disease. N. asteroides complex has been considered to be responsible for the majority of serious invasive infections.

Performing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439

Last Updated: December 7, 2021

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.