Diagnostic Use
Procalcitonin is an inflammation marker, which may have some advantages over CRP in certain specific clinical situations.
Procalcitonin (PCT) is the prohormone of calcitonin (CT). Whereas CT is secreted by the C-cells of the thyroid after hormonal stimulation, PCT can be produced by numerous cell types and organs after proinflammatory stimulation, especially when it is caused by bacterial challenge.
Procalcitonin increases around 3 hours after bacterial infection, reaching maximum values after 6-12 hours. Half-life in vivo is about 24 hours.
Reference Intervals
1) Result up to 0.24 ug/L
This procalcitonin result suggests a localised bacterial infection is unlikely to be present. If infection is suspected clinically, recommend repeating the procalcitonin in 6-24 hours.
2) Result of 0.25 to 0.49 ug/L
This procalcitonin result suggests a localised bacterial infection is possible. If infection is suspected clinically, recommend repeating the procalcitonin in 6- 24 hours.
3) Result of 0.5 to 1.99 ug/L
This procalcitonin result supports the presence of a localised bacterial infection. Systemic infection is possible.
4) Result of 2 to 9.99 ug/L
This procalcitonin result supports the presence of a systemic bacterial infection.
5) Result ≥ 10 ug/L
This procalcitonin result is consistent with severe bacterial infection.
Test Method
Principle: Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay - Sandwich
Analyser: Roche Diagnostics Cobas e801
Reagents: Elecsys BRAHMS PCT
Uncertainty of Measurement
10% at 0.5 ug/L and 15% at 9 ug/L