| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Procalcitonin
Test CodePRCAL
CPT Codes
84145
Preferred Specimen
Light Green (PST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
Serum (Red) or Gold (SST) or Orange (OJ) or Tiger Top Serum
Setup Schedule
24x7
Reference Range
0.00-0.30 ng/mL
Clinical Significance
Procalcitonin is a dynamic biomarker and most useful when trends are analyzed over time in accompaniment with other clinical data. Interpretation should be based upon clinical context.
Suspected Lower Respiratory Tract Infection:
< 0.25 ng/mL: Low likelihood for bacterial infection. Antibiotics discouraged but correlate clinically.
>0.25 ng/mL: Increased likelihood bacterial infection. Antibiotics encouraged but correlate clinically.
Suspected Sepsis:
Strongly consider initiating antibiotics in all unstable patient even if initial level is very low.
<0.50 ng/mL: Low likelihood for sepsis, antibiotics discouraged. If sepsis is suspected, repeat testing in 6-12 hours.
>0.50 ng/mL to 2.00 ng/mL: Increased likelihood of sepsis. Antibiotics encouraged.
>2.00 ng/mL: High risk of sepsis/septic shock. Antibiotics strongly encouraged.
Decisions on antibiotic use should not be based solely on procalcitonin levels. If antibiotics are administered, repeat daily testing x 3 days (or at provider discretion) to guide earlier antibiotic cessation.
If initial Procalcitonin is >0.50 ng/mL, a decrease to <0.50 ng/mL or a reduction of at least 80% from peak level, if accompanied by clinical improvement, may prompt discontinuation of antibiotics.
Suspected Lower Respiratory Tract Infection:
< 0.25 ng/mL: Low likelihood for bacterial infection. Antibiotics discouraged but correlate clinically.
>0.25 ng/mL: Increased likelihood bacterial infection. Antibiotics encouraged but correlate clinically.
Suspected Sepsis:
Strongly consider initiating antibiotics in all unstable patient even if initial level is very low.
<0.50 ng/mL: Low likelihood for sepsis, antibiotics discouraged. If sepsis is suspected, repeat testing in 6-12 hours.
>0.50 ng/mL to 2.00 ng/mL: Increased likelihood of sepsis. Antibiotics encouraged.
>2.00 ng/mL: High risk of sepsis/septic shock. Antibiotics strongly encouraged.
Decisions on antibiotic use should not be based solely on procalcitonin levels. If antibiotics are administered, repeat daily testing x 3 days (or at provider discretion) to guide earlier antibiotic cessation.
If initial Procalcitonin is >0.50 ng/mL, a decrease to <0.50 ng/mL or a reduction of at least 80% from peak level, if accompanied by clinical improvement, may prompt discontinuation of antibiotics.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
