Procalcitonin
PCT
Description
"Procalcitonin" test measures levels of procalcitonin in your blood to help identify bacterial infections and guide treatment decisions. It’s often ordered when symptoms suggest serious infection, such as sepsis or pneumonia. Elevated levels typically point to bacterial causes, while low results may suggest a viral infection or non-infectious issue. Doctors use this test to decide whether antibiotics are needed and to monitor treatment response. Regular testing supports timely care and helps prevent unnecessary antibiotic use or complications.
Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Nanograms Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Chronic Illness Group
Test Group Description
Chronic Illness Group: This group encompasses a range of tests specifically tailored to assess markers associated with chronic health conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the management and monitoring of chronic illnesses.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <0.05 ng/mL
SI Unit: <0.05 ng/mL
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <0.10 ng/mL
SI Unit: <0.10 ng/mL
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Abscesses (Localized collections of pus)
Bacterial meningitis (Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord)
Bacterial pneumonia (Lung infection caused by bacteria)
Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas)
Peritonitis (Inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity)...
Key Reasons For Testing
Sepsis Diagnosis: Assists in diagnosing sepsis and guiding antibiotic therapy to improve outcomes.
Bacterial vs. Viral Infections: Differentiates between bacterial and viral infections to optimize antibiotic use.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Guides antibiotic decisions in conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis.
Antibiotic Stewardship: Reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, minimizing resistance risks and enhancing patient safety.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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[9] Schuetz P, Christ-Crain M, Thomann R, et al. Effect of procalcitonin-based guidelines vs standard guidelines on antibiotic use in lower respiratory tract infections: the ProHOSP randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2009;302(10):1059-1066.
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