Nocardia Antibody (Serum) – Immunoassay (Screen)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate an immune response to *Nocardia*, a type of bacteria that can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.
["A positive result may suggest exposure to *Nocardia* or an infection requiring further medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14226-5
- Short code
- Nocardia Islt Cult
- Synonyms
- Nocardia Islt Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, cough, or lung problems—especially if you have conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or other immune disorders. It’s also used to monitor treatment for suspected *Nocardia* infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test involves a simple venipuncture procedure.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has detected antibodies to *Nocardia*, which could indicate past exposure or an active infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t rule out infection entirely.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
This test helps diagnose *Nocardia* infections, particularly in high-risk patients. It’s not a definitive diagnostic tool but supports further evaluation with cultures or other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: While antibodies suggest exposure or infection, *Nocardia* infections are often confirmed through cultures of affected tissues or fluids. A positive antibody screen may prompt additional testing, such as imaging or biopsy, to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Nocardia Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect an active infection?
Is this test covered by insurance?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy