Tests
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Procalcitonin
| Test Name: | Procalcitonin | ||
| Epic Order Code: | LAB5122 | ||
| CPT Code: | 84145 | ||
| Specimen(s) Type: | Serum; 1.0 mL | ||
| Acceptable Container(s): |  Top is red. | ||
| Testing Schedule: | 24/7 | ||
| Turn Around Time: | STAT: NA | ||
| Routine: 2-7 days | |||
| Collection Information: | No special patient preparation is required. Obtain specimen by standard collection procedures. | ||
| Transport Information: | Deliver to lab immediately. All specimens must be signed into the laboratory. | ||
| Reference Clients: | If unable to deliver to the lab within 1 hour, centrifuge the specimen for 10 minutes at 3500 RPM. Remove serum from cells and place into a transport tube. Store and transport at 2-8° C for up to 5 days. If testing is delayed beyond this, the sample must be stored and transported frozen at -20° C and delivered to lab within 1 month. | ||
| Causes for Rejection: | Improperly labeled, incorrect container, contaminated, insufficient quantity, incorrect/delay in transport, excessive hemolysis, lipemia or icterus. | ||
| Reference Range: | 0-0.05 ng/ml | ||
| Additional Information: | PCT Concentration: | Interpretation: | Risk or Options: |
| PCT < 0.5 ng/mL | Systemic infection (sepsis) not likely. Local bacterial infection is possible. | Low risk for progression to sepsis. If measured before 6 hours after bacterial challenge, PCT should be repeated 6-24 hours later. | |
| PCT > 0.5 - < 2 ng/mL | Sepsis is possible, but other conditions may elevate PCT also. | Moderate risk for progression to severe sepsis/septic shock. Monitor clinically and reassess at 6-24 hours. | |
| PCT > 2 ng/mL | Sepsis likely unless other causes known | High risk for progression to severe sepsis/septic shock. | |
| PCT > 10 ng/mL | Important systemic inflammatory response, almost exclusively due to severe bacterial sepsis or shock. | High likelihood of severe sepsis or septic shock. | |