ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Nocardia Culture and Gram Stain : 0060093

Mnemonic: MC NOC

Methodology: Culture
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 14 days
Positive: As soon as detected
Final: Negative at 14 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Aspirate, fluid, respiratory specimen, or tissue.

Specimen Preparation: Fluid: Transfer to a sterile container. Tissue: Place on gauze moistened with sterile non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent drying and transport in sterile container.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature.

Remarks: Culture also detects other actinomycetes (Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, Gordona, Tsukamurella, etc.). Identification is by DNA sequencing for most isolates.
To submit a Nocardia isolate for identification, order Aerobic Organism Identification (ARUP test code 0060115). To submit a Nocardia isolate for identification AND susceptibility, order Aerobic Organism Identification with Reflex to Susceptibility (ARUP test code 0065070).


Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Interval:
Culture negative for Nocardia species.
Note: If positive, identification is billed separately.  For susceptibility testing, order Antimicrobial Susceptibility - Nocardia (0060193).  Susceptibility testing should be performed on all significant Nocardia isolates.
CPT Code(s): 87070
Cross References: Actinomycetes , Culture, Nocardia (Nocardia Culture (Includes Gram stain 0060101))