What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a skin infection that won't heal, a chronic cough, or lung symptoms that aren't improving with regular treatment, especially if your immune system is weakened. It helps identify whether bacteria like Nocardia or Actinomycetes are causing the infection. This is especially useful for people with wounds, abscesses, or lung infections that keep coming back.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus abnormal finding looks like for this stain test. If the result is positive, the next step is usually prompt treatment since these infections can spread if left unaddressed, so seek medical care quickly if you're feeling worse. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you get tested again in the future, you'll be able to track results over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

People with long-lasting skin sores, abscesses, or lumps that aren't healing should consider this test, especially if they have a weakened immune system from conditions like organ transplants, cancer treatment, or HIV. It's also useful for anyone with a lingering lung infection that resembles tuberculosis but hasn't been confirmed as TB. If you've been in contact with soil or plant matter and developed an unusual wound infection, this test can help pinpoint the cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for skin sores or lumps that keep draining fluid and won't heal with normal wound care. A persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath that doesn't improve with regular antibiotics can also be a sign. In more serious cases, symptoms like confusion, headache, or vision changes may mean the infection has spread beyond the original site.

What is Nocardiosis and why does it matter?

Nocardiosis is an infection caused by Nocardia bacteria, which are normally found in soil and can enter the body through cuts or by breathing them in. It matters because in people with weaker immune systems, what starts as a skin or lung infection can spread to the brain, kidneys, or other organs if not caught early. Identifying it quickly with a stain test like this one helps guide faster, more targeted treatment.

How can I naturally support my immune system while recovering?

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals helps your body fight off infections more effectively. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can also strengthen your immune response. Keeping any wounds clean and dry, and avoiding contact with soil or plant debris until healed, can prevent the infection from getting worse.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the stain detected bacteria consistent with Nocardia or Actinomycetes in your sample, which suggests these organisms are likely causing your infection. This is not something to manage on your own — if your result is positive, seek medical care right away since these infections can worsen or spread without proper treatment. Keeping the infected area clean and monitoring for new symptoms like fever or increased swelling is important in the meantime.

What causes Nocardia and Actinomycetes infections?

These bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and decaying plant matter, and infection usually happens when they enter the body through a cut, scrape, or by inhaling contaminated particles. People with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, or open wounds are at higher risk of infection. Gardening, farming, or other outdoor activities without proper wound care can increase your chances of exposure.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is negative but symptoms continue or worsen, retesting after your symptoms progress or a new sample is collected can help catch an infection that was missed the first time. If you're being treated for a confirmed infection, retesting can help confirm the infection has cleared once treatment is complete. Otherwise, this isn't a routine test that needs regular repeating unless new symptoms appear.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your results come back positive, seek medical care promptly since Nocardia and Actinomycetes infections can spread if untreated, particularly in people with weaker immune systems. Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in wound appearance, fever, or breathing difficulty, and share this information for follow-up care. Avoid delaying action, as early treatment leads to much better outcomes for these types of infections.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Nocardia/Actinomycetes Stain Test - Infection Detection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]