Home
HelpTest Code Procalcitonin CRMC PROCALCITONIN
Patient Preparation
No special patient preparations required
Collection Method
Venous collection
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL
Container
Lt Green / Plasma Separator / Lithium Heparin
Preferred Specimen
Light Green Top (lithium heparin) plasma
Acceptable Specimen(s)
Serum: Red top
Plasma (lithium heparin): Lt Green
Reference or Target Ranges
< 0.05 ng/mL
Reportable Units
ng/mL
Critical Value
> 2.0 ng/mL
Reasons for Rejection
|
Hemolysis Threshold: |
500 mg/dL |
|
Icterus Threshold: |
40 mg/dL (unconjugated) |
|
|
40 mg/dL (conjugated) |
|
Lipemia Threshold: |
1000 mg/dL |
|
Other: |
QNS, contaminated, improperly labeled, improper specimen type |
Specimen Stability
|
Ambient |
8 Hours |
|
Refrigerated |
2 Days |
Performance Information
|
Days and Time Performed |
24/7 |
|
Expected Turn Around Time |
Stat: 1 Hour, Routine: 4 Hours |
|
Stat Availability |
Yes |
|
Performing Bench |
CRMC Chemistry |
|
Methodology/Method Description |
Atellica |
Additional Information / Important Notes
*PCT > 2.0 ng/mL: A PCT level above 2.0 mg/mL on the first day of ICU admission is associated with a high risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock
*PCT < 0.5 ng/mL: A PCT level below 0.5 ng/mL on the first day of ICU admissioin is acosiated with a low risk for progression to severe sepsis and/or septic shock.
NOTE: PCT levels <0.5 ng/mL do not exclude an infection, because localized infections may also be associated with such low levels. If the PCT measurement is done very early after the systemic infection process has started, these values may still be low.
Various non-infectious conditions are known to induce changes in PCT levels, therefore PCT levels between 0.5-2.0 ng/mL should be interpreted in the context of the specific clinical background and condition(s) of the individual patient. It is recommended to retest PCT within 6-24 hours if any concentrations are ≤ 2.0 ng/ml are obtained.
Methodology/Method Description
Atellica CH Analyzer
CPT Codes
84145