Sputum for Nocardia

About This Package

A **sputum for Nocardia** test measures the presence of *Nocardia* bacteria in a sputum sample. *Nocardia* is a type of bacteria that can cause nocardiosis, an infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. Here’s what the test assesses: 1. **Detection of Nocardia Bacteria**: Identifies the presence of *Nocardia* species in the sputum, which is essential for diagnosing nocardiosis. 2. **Diagnosis of Pulmonary Nocardiosis**: Helps diagnose lung infections caused by *Nocardia*, which can present with symptoms like cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. 3. **Guidance for Treatment**: Positive results guide the selection of appropriate antibiotics for treating the infection. *Nocardia* infections often require prolonged antibiotic therapy. 4. **Monitoring Infection**: Used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients diagnosed with nocardiosis, ensuring that the infection is responding to therapy. In summary, a sputum for Nocardia test detects *Nocardia* bacteria in the sputum to diagnose pulmonary nocardiosis and guide treatment.

Included Tests & Parameters