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Test Code PCT Procalcitonin

Performing Laboratory

ChristianaCare:

  • Newark Campus
  • Middletown Campus
  • Wilmington Campus

Day(s) Test Set up

Monday through Sunday

Routine Turnaround Time:  4 hours

STAT Turnaround Time:  4 hours

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Preferred: 4.5 mL Lithium Heparin (Mint Green top PST Gel) tube

Acceptable: 5.0 mL SST (Gold top) tube or 6.0 mL Serum (Red top) tube

Note:  Label tube with patient's full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of draw, collector's initials, and type of specimen.

Reference Values

<0.05 ng/mL  
0.0 - 0.5 ng/mL Represents a low risk of severe sepsis or septic shock
0.6 - 2.0 ng/mL Represents infection (sepsis) is possible but other conditions are know to elevate PCT levels as well.
2.1 - 9.9 ng/mL Represents systemic infection is likely unless other causes are known.
>/= 10.0 ng/mL Represents likelihood of severe bacterial sepsis or septic shock.

 

Specimen Type

Serum