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Procalcitonin (Keene)

eD-H Order Code

LAB4129

Specimen Collection Information

Specimen Minimum Test Volume Container Special Handling
Blood 1.0 ML

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Reference Ranges / Critical Values

Assay Gender Age Range Normal Range Critical Values Units
PCT All 0 Minutes – 150 Years ≤0.24 ng/ml

Specimen Stability

24 hours

Interpretive Data

Assay Display Interpretive Data
PCT 1. For patients presenting with suspected sepsis: PCT <0.5 ng/ml: Low risk for progression to severe sepsis. Antibiotic use discouraged. PCT 0.5-2.0 ng/ml: Sepsis should be considered. Antibiotic use is encouraged. Consider retesting PCT in 6-24 hrs. PCT >2.0 ng/ml: High risk for progression to severe sepsis. Antibiotic use is strongly encouraged. Monitor PCT: once every 1-2 days based upon physician discretion to support decisions to discontinue antibiotic therapy. Discontinue Antibiotics: PCT <0.5 ng/ml or change in PCT >80% 2. For patients presenting with suspected lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI): PCT <0.25 ng/ml Bacterial LRTI is unlikely PCT 0.25-0.5 ng/ml Bacterial LRTI is possible. Antibiotic use is encouraged repeat PCT in 6-12 hours to guide continuing therapy. PCT >0.5 ng/ml Bacterial LRTI is likely. Antibiotic use is strongly encouraged repeat PCT in 2-3 days to help guide antibiotic cessation. *Consider early antibiotic use in high risk regardless of PCT level* 3. Low PCT levels (0.1-0.24 ng/mL) does not always exclude infection: – Early course of infection – Localised infection – Subacute infectious endocarditis

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday; continuously

CPT(s)

84145

Performing Lab Section

Chemistry