Home
HelpProcalcitonin (PCT)*
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel or green-yellow)
Specimen Fill Volume: Whole tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Day(s) Performed
Daily
Analytical Time:
1 hour from specimen arrival
Performing Laboratory
Rutland Regional Medical Center Laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
CPT: 84145
Order Code: RMCPROCALC
Result Name / Result Code / Result LOINC:
PCT / RMCL802093 / 33959-8
PCT Interp / RMCL802316 /
Instrumentation
Roche Cobas
Normal Reference Values
| PCT > 2 ng/mL A PCT level above 2.0 ng/mL on the first day of ICU admission is associated with a high risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock. PCT < 0.5 ng/mL A PCT level below 0.5 ng/mL on the first day of ICU admission is associated with a low risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock. Note: Concentrations < 0.5 ng/mL do not exclude an infection, on account of localized infections (without systemic signs) which can be associated with such low concentrations, or a systemic infection in its initial stages (< 6 hours). Furthermore, increased procalcitonin can occur without infection. PCT concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/mL should be interpreted taking into account the patient’s history. It is recommended to retest PCT within 6‑24 hours if any concentrations < 2 ng/mL are obtained. For convenience, one can use the Change in Procalcitonin Calculator to determine ΔPCT results from the absolute PCT concentrations of a patient obtained on the day severe sepsis or septic shock was first diagnosed (or 24 hours later) and on Day 4. Go to www.BRAHMS‑PCT‑Calculator.com. |
||
Testing Recommendations:
The Procalcitonin test is intended for use in conjunction with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments to aid in the risk assessment of patients for progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The evaluation of the BRAHMS PCT assay results must be taken into consideration along with the patient’s history and the results of any other tests performed. If discrepancies are found between the laboratory results and the clinical signs, additional tests should be performed.