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Test Code LAB2049 Procalcitonin

Additional Codes

PCT

Collection:

Specimen: Blood 

Container: Lt Green w/ Gel - Li Hep

Specimen Volume: 4 mL; Minimum 1.0  mL

 

Pediatric Collection:

One Lt Green w/ Gel - Li Hep microtainer filled to 600 uL.

Stability:

Once plasma is separated from cells:

 

Ambient: 8 Hours

Refrigerated (preferred): 1 Week

Frozen: 2 Weeks

 

Turnaround Time (TAT):

STAT: 2 HOURS

Routine: 3 HOURS

Test Availability:

Daily / 24 Hours / Available STAT

Performing Laboratory Section:

Chemistry / UMC MAIN LABORATORY

Reference Interval:

< 0.10 ng/mL

Interpretive Data:

1. Procalcitonin (PCT) Result Interpretation in risk assessment for progression to severe sepsis and septic shock:

 

PCT Result (ng/mL) Interpretation
< 0.50 Low risk of severe sepsis and/or septic shock
> 2.00 High risk of severe sepsis and/or septic shock

 
If the PCT is performed within 6 hours of systemic infection initiation process, these values may still be low (<0.5 ng/mL). Localized infections may also be associated with such low PCT levels.
It is recommended to retest PCT within 6 to 24 hours for any concentrations between 0.1 and 2 ng/mL.


PCT values between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/L should be interpreted in the context of patient’s clinical background and condition(s) since various non-infections conditions may induce PCT.


 
2. PCT Result Interpretation in Antibiotic Therapy Initiation in patients with LRTI:
 

PCT Result (ng/mL) Interpretation
< 0.10 Antibiotic therapy is strongly discouraged
0.10 - 0.25 Antibiotic therapy is discouraged
0.26 - 0.50 Antibiotic therapy is encouraged
> 0.50 Antibiotic therapy is strongly encouraged

  
Antibiotic therapy should be considered regardless of PCT result if the patient is clinically unstable, is at high risk for adverse outcome, has strong evidence of bacterial pathogen, or the clinical context indicates antibiotic therapy is warranted. If antibiotics are withheld, reassess if symptoms persist/worsen and/or repeat PCT measurement within 6–24 hours. In order to assess treatment success and to support a decision to discontinue antibiotic therapy, follow-up samples should be tested once every 1–2 days, based upon physician discretion taking into account patient’s evolution and progress.