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Procalcitonin (PCT)*

Important Note

*This test is orderable in Cerner as Procalcitonin

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.

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

Performing Laboratory

Rutland Regional Medical Center Laboratory

Day(s) Performed

Daily

Analytical Time:

1 hour from specimen arrival

Instrumentation

Roche Cobas

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT: 84145

Order Code: RMCPROCALC

Result Name / Result Code / Result LOINC:

PCT / RMCL802093 / 33959-8

PCT Interp / RMCL802316 /

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.		    
     
     
     
     

 

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerated