Procalcitonin Tests: Purpose and Results

Image credit: site.controllab.com

What is a procalcitonin test?

A procalcitonin test is a type of blood test that can help diagnose sepsis and determine a person's risk of severe illness, shock, and death. Because sepsis worsens rapidly, an early diagnosis can ensure that the right medications are prescribed before the condition turns severe.

What are the complications of a procalcitonin test?

Complications of a procalcitonin test are typically minor and the same as they would be for any blood draw, and may include: A procalcitonin test measures levels of procalcitonin in the blood, and is used to determine if there is bacterial sepsis present, which is a severe, systemic, potentially life-threatening infection.

How are procalcitonin results interpreted?

Procalcitonin results are interpreted in conjunction with findings from clinical evaluations as well as other laboratory tests. Low levels of procalcitonin in a seriously ill person may indicate a low risk of developing sepsis and progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock but do not exclude it.

What does a high procalcitonin level mean?

But if you have a serious bacterial infection, the cells in many parts of your body will release procalcitonin into your bloodstream. A high level of procalcitonin in your blood may be a sign of a serious infection or sepsis. Sepsis (also called septicemia) is your immune system's extreme response to an infection, usually from bacteria.

What happens after a procalcitonin test?

After a procalcitonin test, the results indicate the level of procalcitonin in the bloodstream. If the procalcitonin level is high, it suggests that the body is working to fight off an infection. The higher the procalcitonin level, the more severe the infection may be.

What is Procalcitonin (PCT)?

Procalcitonin (PCT), regarded as a biomarker specific for bacterial infections, is used in a variety of clinical settings including primary care, emergency department and intensive care. PCT measurement aids in the diagnosis of sepsis and to guide and monitor antibiotic therapy. ).

What Is Procalcitonin Tests

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/procalcitonin-results-and-what-they-mean-3156825
2. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/procalcitonin-test/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539794/
4. https://www.austrahealth.com.au/procalcitonin-test.html
5. https://www.pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Procalcitonin
6. https://www.testing.com/tests/procalcitonin/
7. https://www.thermofisher.com/procalcitonin/us/en/understanding-procalcitonin.html
8. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_is_a_procalcitonin_test_used_for/article_em.htm
9. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/procalcitonin
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procalcitonin

Procalcitonin Tests Information

1. https://test.rcpa.edu.au/Manuals/RCPA-Manual/Pathology-Tests/P/Procalcitonin