ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Procalcitonin : 0020763

Mnemonic: PCT

Methodology: Immunofluorescent
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: The same specimen type (serum, plasma) should be used throughout the patient's clinical course.

Collect: Plasma separator tube or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow serum toto sit for 15-20 minutes for proper clot formation and to ensure the absence of fibrin in the serum which can interfere with this assay. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens collected in citrate anticoagulant.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 month
Reference Interval:
Less than 0.10 ng/mL
Interpretive Data: Procalcitonin > 2.00 ng/mL:
Procalcitonin levels above 2.00 ng/mL on the first day of ICU admission represent a high risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock.

Procalcitonin < 0.50 ng/mL:
Procalcitonin levels below 0.50 ng/mL on the first day of ICU admission represent a low risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock.

If the procalcitonin measurement is performed shortly after the systemic infection process has started (usually less than 6 hours), these values may still be low. As various non-infectious conditions are known to induce procalcitonin as well, procalcitonin levels between 0.50 ng/mL and 2.00 ng/mL should be reviewed carefully to take into account the specific clinical background and condition(s) of the individual patient.
Note: Procalcitonin levels below 0.50 ng/mL do not exclude an infection, because localized infections (without systemic signs) may also be associated with such low levels.
CPT Code(s): 84145
 
 

 

 

 
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