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 Location
St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto ON M5B 1W8
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 Location
St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto ON M5B 1W8
Test Version
24-Jun-2024
Interface / Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PRCAL | 62599Procalcitonin | ug/L |
Test Version
24-Jun-2024