Nocardia Culture and Stain
Test Mnemonic
NOCARD
CPT Codes
- 87116 - QTY (1)
- 87206 - QTY (1)
Aliases
- Aerobic Actinomycete Culture and Stain
- Nocardia Stain
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mL | Fluid, body | Sterile container | Ambient | Refrigeration is preferred if transport is delayed longer than 2 - 4 hours. | |
| 5 mL | Sputum | Sterile container | Ambient | Specimen may be induced or expectorated. Refrigeration is preferred if transport is delayed longer than 2 - 4 hours. | |
| 5 mL | Aspirate, bronchial | Sterile container | Ambient | Larger volumes improve recovery. Refrigeration is preferred if transport is delayed longer than 2 - 4 hours. | |
| 5 mL | Aspirate, tracheal | Sterile container | Ambient | Larger volumes improve recovery. Refrigeration is preferred if transport is delayed longer than 2 - 4 hours. | |
| Unspecified | Aspirate(s) | Sterile container | Ambient | Larger volumes improve recovery. Swabs are unacceptable. Refrigeration is preferred if transport is delayed longer than 2 - 4 hours. | |
| 1 g | Tissue | Sterile container | Ambient | Add a small amount of sterile saline or sterile water to keep tissue moist. Send separate portions to Surgical Pathology. Separate the portion of the surgical specimen submitted for AFB Culture using sterile technique. Refrigeration is preferred if transport is delayed longer than 2 - 4 hours. |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
5 weeks
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Culture | |
| Modified Ziehl-Neelson Stain |
Reference Range
| Nocardia Culture Only | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Freetext | Negative for Nocardia | ||||
| Nocardia Stain | |||||
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Freetext | Stain: Negative |
Special Info
Indicate specimen source on the requisition. If culture is positive with Nocardia spp., identification will be performed at an additional charge. Identification CPT codes that may apply include: 87153, 87158. Antimicrobial susceptibilities are performed when requested and tested by an outside reference lab; CPT code 87186 would apply.
Clinical Info
Test includes both culture and microscopic examination for Nocardia and other aerobic actinomycetes. A single negative culture does not rule out the presence of infection.