PCT
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Procalcitonin, Serum/Plasma
Test ID: PRCAL
Test
Aliases/Synonyms
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 |
|
||
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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. |
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Test Version
24-Jun-2024
Interface / Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PRCAL | 62599Procalcitonin | ug/L |
Test Version
24-Jun-2024