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PROCALCITONIN
MessageThis test is cleared for INITIAL risk assessment in patients with suspected sepsis, septic shock, or severe localized infection. There
are no published consensus/evidence based guidelines for other uses of this test.
Please see the link under Additional Information for the Test Change Notification.
are no published consensus/evidence based guidelines for other uses of this test.
Please see the link under Additional Information for the Test Change Notification.
Test Code
LAB3041196
Preferred Specimen
One of the following acceptable tube types
Light green top
Red top tube
Gold top tube
Pediatric; Two light green microtainers, (red, gold, dark green microtainers are also acceptable)
Light green top
Red top tube
Gold top tube
Pediatric; Two light green microtainers, (red, gold, dark green microtainers are also acceptable)
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL serum
Instructions
Sample must be centrifuged within one hour of collection. Seperate serum from cells and aliquot 1.0 mL serum.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Ambient: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 15 days
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 15 days
Methodology
CMIA, Chemiluminescent microparticle Assay
Setup Schedule
Sunday - Saturday
Clinical Significance
Interpretive Information
• This assay is subject to “hook effect” at results >2,500 ng/mL. If results are lower than expected for the clinical presentation (ie, <10 ng/mL for presentations consistent with sepsis or septic shock), please contact the laboratory within 24 hours and request a dilution/result confirmation. Very high (>10,000 ng/mL) PCT results have been reported for severe cases.
• Repeat PCT testing is indicated in 6 to 24 hours if clinical suspicion for sepsis is high but initial PCT result is not or only moderately elevated (ie, >0.5 but <2.0 ng/mL). A repeated value that is increased may suggest sepsis evolution. A repeated value that is lower or unchanged suggests a noninfectious etiology.
• Physiologic halfâlife of PCT is approximately 24 hours. Renal failure could elevate PCT results due to decreased clearance.
• WVUH Guidelines for utilizing PCT in lower respiratory infections are available online.
• This assay is subject to “hook effect” at results >2,500 ng/mL. If results are lower than expected for the clinical presentation (ie, <10 ng/mL for presentations consistent with sepsis or septic shock), please contact the laboratory within 24 hours and request a dilution/result confirmation. Very high (>10,000 ng/mL) PCT results have been reported for severe cases.
• Repeat PCT testing is indicated in 6 to 24 hours if clinical suspicion for sepsis is high but initial PCT result is not or only moderately elevated (ie, >0.5 but <2.0 ng/mL). A repeated value that is increased may suggest sepsis evolution. A repeated value that is lower or unchanged suggests a noninfectious etiology.
• Physiologic halfâlife of PCT is approximately 24 hours. Renal failure could elevate PCT results due to decreased clearance.
• WVUH Guidelines for utilizing PCT in lower respiratory infections are available online.
Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Berkeley Medical Center
Barnesville Hospital
Braxton County Memorial
Camden Clark Medical Center
Fairmont Medical Center
Garrett Regional Medical Center
Jackson General Hospital
Jefferson Medical Center
Potomac Valley Hospital
Reynolds Memorial Hospital
Summersville Regional Medical Center
St. Joseph’s Hospital
United Hospital Center
Uniontown Hospital
Wheeling Hospital
Additional Information
Test Change Notification
