Procalcitonin - Serum
The procalcitonin test may be used, along with other tests and examinations, to help detect or rule out septic infection in a seriously ill person. It has primarily been used in people who seek care at emergency departments or who are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with signs and symptoms that may be due to sepsis
This Test Includes
Procalcitonin (PCT)
Test Instructions
Total parameters available: 1
Parameter Names:
- Procalcitonin - Serum
Test Instructions/Precautions:
- Alcohol: Please abstain from alcohol before the test
- Medication :Any pre-existing medication should only be stopped after consultation with the referring Physician
- Fluids Allowed : Water only
Reports
Soft Copy (Portal/Email) : If the sample is collected before 12 noon then the report will get delivered as per Reporting Time / Maximum TAT (Turn Around Time) indicated with the test. For samples collected after 12 Noon, 12 hours may be added to the Report Turn Around TimeHard Copy : Delivered at home upon request. A small convenience fee may apply.
Why it is Done
To help diagnose sepsis if you are critically ill and to help determine your risk of progressing to severe sepsis and septic shock; to help identify serious bacterial infections and to distinguish between bacterial and non-bacterial conditions; to help guide antibiotic treatment.
What is this test
Procalcitonin is a substance produced by many types of cells in the body, often in response to bacterial infections but also in response to tissue injury. The level of procalcitonin in the blood can increase significantly in systemic bacterial infections and sepsis. This test measures the level of procalcitonin in the blood.