Test Overview
Clinical Utility
Persistent elevation of increasing PCT alone is NOT an indication for broadening or adding antibiotic treatment.
Method
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
Analytical Platform
Beckman
Result Included
Procalcitonin
Aliases/Synonyms
PCT
Specimen
Specimen Type
SerumPlasma (EDTA or Heparin)
Containers
Collection Containers
Gold top (clot activator & gel);Lavender top (EDTA);Green top (lithium or sodium heparin)
Volume
Sample Volume
1 mL
Collection & Handling
Handling Information
Store and send frozen.
Stability
| Ambient | Refrigerated | Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| 16 hours | 7 days | 90 days |
Performance & Interpretation
Turnaround Time
2 days
Results
Name
Units
Reference Range
Conversion
-
Procalcitoninµg/LAdult: < 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
Comment
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.
Referral Location
Canada
Interface & Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Name | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRCAL | Procalcitonin | 62599 | ug/L |
Test Version
Last Updated
2024-06-24