| 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. |