4 hours
Test Updated:
ProCT
PCT
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Test Overview
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA). Two-step immunoassay sandwich method with chemiluminescent detection.
Differentiation of bacterial versus viral respiratory tract infection; determination of treatment duration in respiratory tract infection s; diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis and septic shock; monitoring response to antibacterial therapy; diagnosis of systemic secondary infection post-surgery; diagnosis of other acute bacterial infections with systemic manifestations. Decisions regarding antimicrobial therapy should NOT be based solely on procalcitonin levels.
PCT < 0.10 ng/mL = Negative. PCT between 0.10 and 0.25 ng/mL = Low; bacterial infection is possible but unlikely. PCT between 0.25 and 0.50 ng/mL = Intermediate; bacterial infection is likely. PCT > 0.50 ng/mL = High; bacterial infection is very likely. Test result will be flagged abnormal > 0.25 ng/mL. If Negative, repeat 6-12 hours. Repeat once per day thereafter.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.