Procalcitonin
Report in 24Hrs
At Home
Details
Procalcitonin is a peptide precursor of the hormone calcitonin, normally produced in the thyroid
₹1350₹3025
55% OFF
1000+ Booked this Test
🧪 What is Procalcitonin (PCT)?
Procalcitonin is a peptide precursor of the hormone calcitonin, normally produced in the thyroid. During systemic bacterial infections and sepsis, PCT levels rise significantly in the blood, making it a useful biomarker for bacterial infections and sepsis.
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Diagnose and assess severity of bacterial infections and sepsis
- Differentiate between bacterial and viral infections
- Guide antibiotic therapy decisions (start/stop)
- Monitor response to treatment in critically ill patients
- Detect post-surgical or traumatic infections
📊 Normal Range
Procalcitonin Level (ng/mL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
< 0.05 | Normal or no bacterial infection |
0.05 – 0.5 | Low risk; localized infection possible |
0.5 – 2.0 | Moderate risk; systemic bacterial infection |
> 2.0 | High risk; severe sepsis or septic shock |
📈 Interpretation of Results
Level | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|
Low (<0.05) | Bacterial infection unlikely |
Mild elevation | Possible localized bacterial infection |
Moderate elevation | Suggests systemic bacterial infection/sepsis |
High (>2.0) | Severe sepsis, septic shock, poor prognosis |
🧠 Associated Conditions
Condition | Details |
|---|---|
Bacterial sepsis | Strongly elevated PCT |
Severe bacterial infections | Pneumonia, meningitis, pyelonephritis |
Postoperative infections | Elevated PCT can indicate surgical site infection |
Non-bacterial causes | Trauma, surgery, burns may mildly elevate PCT |
Viral infections | Usually low PCT levels |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- Blood cultures
- CRP (C-reactive protein)
- CBC with differential
- Lactate – for sepsis severity
- Imaging studies – to locate infection source
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Required |
|---|---|
Procalcitonin | ❌ No |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
What | Biomarker indicating bacterial infection and sepsis |
Why | Diagnose, assess severity, and guide treatment in infection |
Normal Range | <0.05 ng/mL |
Elevated Levels | Indicate bacterial infection, sepsis severity |
Associated Conditions | Bacterial sepsis, pneumonia, postoperative infection |
Follow-up Tests | Blood cultures, CRP, CBC, lactate, imaging |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
