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Test Code PRCA Procalcitonin

Performing Laboratory

Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory

Useful For

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker useful in the diagnosis and management of sepsis.

  • Elevated PCT levels (>0.50 ng/mL) may represent a high risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock
  • A comparison of PCT measurements over four days aids in the evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy.
  • PCT comparison is also a mortality risk assessment tool for patients with sepsis.
  • PCT assists in the differential diagnosis of bacterial versus viral infection.

Note: PCT levels may be elevated independent of an infectious process in cases of multiple trauma,

major surgery,  or severe burns. In most cases the return to baseline levels is rapid. Neonates experience elevated PCT levels that peak at 24 hours and decrease gradually by 48 hours of life.

 

Specimen Requirements

 

Container/Tube  
Acceptable  PST (Li Hep) Gel- Mint Green Top
Acceptable  SST
Specimen Volume  3.0 mL
Minimum Volume  1.0 mL

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Type

Plasma / Serum

Specimen Stability

 

Temperature Time Frame
Refrigerated 2-8°C 48 hours

Day(s) Test Set up

Monday through Sunday

Available STAT

Reference Values

 

Range Interpretation
0.06-0.10 ng/mL Significant bacterial Infection unlikely
0.11-0.50 ng/mL Can indicate clinically relevant bacterial infection
>0.50 ng/mL Patient should be considered at risk of developing severe sepsis or septic shock

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (Elecsys BRAHMS PCT)

CPT Code

84145

Loinc Code

33959-8