Nocardia Culture and Gram Stain
Also known as: MC NOC
Use
The Nocardia Culture and Gram Stain test is employed to detect Nocardia and other aerobic actinomycetes, which can cause infection in various parts of the body, including the lungs, skin, and brain. Identifying these organisms is crucial for proper treatment, as they often present non-specific symptoms and may not be suspected initially. This test is particularly significant for immunocompromised patients, where Nocardia infections are more common and can be severe.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The Nocardia Culture and Gram Stain test has limitations regarding the time to detect positive cultures, which can take between 1 to 15 days depending on the growth of the organism. For negative reports, the culture is reported at 15 days. Furthermore, while this test detects Nocardia and related actinomycetes, identification relies on further DNA sequencing for most isolates. Frozen specimens are unacceptable, and the test's performance is not certified by the FDA, although it is conducted in a CLIA-certified laboratory.
New York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
Nocardia species
Microorganism
LOINC Codes
- 43365-6 - Nocardia Spec Cult
Result Turnaround Time
1-15 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (Fresh)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sterile container
Collection Instructions
If tissue, place on gauze moistened with sterile non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent drying, then transport in a sterile container.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant