Procalcitonin (PCAL)

Test Code

PCAL

Preferred Specimen

Serum (Red Top tube or SST)

Minimum Volume

5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

EDTA Plasma or Lithium Heparin Plasma

Instructions

Invert tube immediately after collection.

Transport Container

Biohazard bag

Transport Temperature

Ambient

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature up to 8 hours on the clot, up to 24 hours off the clot; Refrigerated up to 48 hours off the clot; Frozen (-10 or colder) up to15 days off the clot. Note: If stored beyond 8 hours, remove serum or plasma from the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel and store refrigerated or frozen.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Clotted, hemolyzed, or quanity not sufficient specimen will be rejected and redraw requested.

Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

Testing is available Monday through Sunday.

Reference Range

Procalcitonin <0.05 ng/mL represents a low risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock.
Procalcitonin >2.00 ng/mL represents a high risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock.

Performing Laboratory
BHMC - LR; BHMC - HS; BHMC - CW; BHMC - ST; BHMC - ARK; BHMC- MV

Last Updated: November 14, 2018

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.