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Procalcitonin, Serum/Plasma

Test ID: PRCAL

Test

Aliases/Synonyms

PCT

Method

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Platform

Beckman

Report Includes

Procalcitonin

Specimens

Serum; Plasma (EDTA or Heparin)

Clinical Utility

Persistent elevation of increasing PCT alone is NOT an indication for broadening or adding antibiotic treatment.

Test Version

24-Jun-2024

Specimen

Specimens

Serum; Plasma (EDTA or Heparin)

Collection Containers

Gold top (clot activator & gel);Lavender top (EDTA);Green top (lithium or sodium heparin)

Sample Volume

1 mL

Collection & Handling

Handling Information

Store and send frozen.

Stability

Ambient 16 hours
Refrigerated 7 days
Frozen 90 days

Test Version

24-Jun-2024

Performance / Interpretation

Method

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Platform

Beckman

Turnaround Time

2 days

Results

Name Units Reference Range Conversion Factor
Procalcitonin µg/L
  • Adult: < 0.15
  • 0 - 12 hours post-birth < 2
  • 12 - 36 hours post-birth < 10
  • 36 - 72 hours post-birth < 5
  • > 72 hours post-birth < 0.15
ICU Sepsis: Consider discontinuing antibiotics if level is <=0.50 ug/L or an 80% drop from baseline.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection: Recommendation against antibiotics if level is <=0.25 ug/L

Clinical correlation is required, PCT level does not replace clinical judgment. Persistent elevation or increasing PCT alone is NOT an indication for broadening or adding antibiotic treatment.

Test Version

24-Jun-2024

Interface / Setup

HL7 Interface Codes

Order Code Result Codes Units
PRCAL 62599Procalcitonin ug/L

Test Version

24-Jun-2024