Procalcitonin
Also known as: PCT
Use
This test is used to assess the risk of progression to severe sepsis and septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU). It may also be used to determine 28-day mortality risk for individuals with septic shock or severe sepsis in acute settings. Additionally, it aids in determining whether antibiotic treatment may be discontinued in individuals with confirmed or suspected sepsis, or to assist in antibiotic therapy decision-making for individuals with confirmed or suspected lower respiratory tract infections in inpatient or emergency settings. It should be used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.
Special Instructions
Ensure specimen handling and preparation are adhered to in order to maintain sample integrity. Immediate separation of serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection is crucial. The test is performed continuously from Sunday to Saturday, with reports available within 24 hours of specimen receipt.
Limitations
Procalcitonin concentrations below 0.50 ng/mL do not exclude an infection. Increased procalcitonin concentrations can occur without infection. Therefore, this test result must be interpreted alongside other clinical and laboratory findings to make informed clinical decisions. The test may not differentiate between types of infections or the precise location of an infection.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 33959-8
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum separator tube (SST), K2EDTA, K3EDTA, or Li heparin plasma
Collection Instructions
Allow serum specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection and transfer to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Hemolyzed specimens. Specimens stabilized with azide.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | 1 year |