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Procalcitonin, Plasma
Test CodePCT
CPT Codes
84145
Preferred Specimen
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Plasma
Container/Tube: Gree-top (heparin) tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of plasma
Collection Instructions: Avoid hemolysis.
Note: 1. Indicate plasma. 2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Serum is acceptable, but for a given patient, the PCT assays must be performed on the same type of sample tube.
Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions: Avoid hemolysis.
Note: 1. Indicate serum. 2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Plasma
Container/Tube: Gree-top (heparin) tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of plasma
Collection Instructions: Avoid hemolysis.
Note: 1. Indicate plasma. 2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Serum is acceptable, but for a given patient, the PCT assays must be performed on the same type of sample tube.
Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions: Avoid hemolysis.
Note: 1. Indicate serum. 2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate up to 48 hours. Freeze plasma/serum if > 48 hours.
Methodology
ELFA (Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay)
Setup Schedule
Monday throuogh Sunday
Reference Range
< 0.5 ng/mL represents a low risk of severe sepsis and/or septic shock.
> 2 ng/mL represents a high risk of severe sepsis and/or septic shock.
Concentrations < 0.5 ng/mL do not exclude an infection, on account of localized infections (without systemic signs) which can be associated with such low concentrations, or a systemic infection in its initial stages (< 6 hours). Furthermore, increased procalcitonin can occur without infection. PCT concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/mL should be interpreted taking into account the patient’s history. It is recommended to retest PCT within 6-24 hours if any concentrations < 2 ng/mL are obtained.
> 2 ng/mL represents a high risk of severe sepsis and/or septic shock.
Concentrations < 0.5 ng/mL do not exclude an infection, on account of localized infections (without systemic signs) which can be associated with such low concentrations, or a systemic infection in its initial stages (< 6 hours). Furthermore, increased procalcitonin can occur without infection. PCT concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/mL should be interpreted taking into account the patient’s history. It is recommended to retest PCT within 6-24 hours if any concentrations < 2 ng/mL are obtained.
Clinical Significance
Procalcitonin is intended for use in conjunction with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments to aid in the risk assessment of critically ill patients on their first day of ICU admission for progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. Procalcitonin is also intended for use to determine the change in PCT level over time as an aid in assessing the cumulative 28-day risk of all-cause mortality in conjunction with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments for patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock in the ICU or when obtained in the emergency department or other medical wards prior to ICU admission.
Performed By
CoxHealth
Performing Laboratory
CoxHealth
