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Test Code
PCT
Test Name
Procalcitonin (PCT)
CPT Codes
84145
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Procalcitonin (PCT) is produced by numerous organs at a cellular level after bacterial pro-inflammatory stimulation while expression is inhibited by viral infections.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Types: Serum or Plasma

Collection Containers:

  • Gold Top, Serum Separator
  • Light Green Top, Plasma Separator
  • Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.7 mL

 
Collection Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (15 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Tubes with anticoagulant: To ensure accurate test results, all tubes containing an anticoagulant or preservative must be allowed to fill completely. Attempts to force more blood into the tube by exerting pressure, as in collection with a syringe, will result in damage to the red cells (hemolysis).
Transport Instructions

 Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

 48 hours
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay
Reference Intervals

Procalcitonin Concentration

Interpretation

≤0.5 ng/mL

Systemic infection (sepsis) is not likely. Local bacterial infection is possible.

>0.5 ≤ 2 ng/mL

Systemic infection (sepsis) is possible, but other conditions are known to elevate PCT as well.

>2 ng/mL

Systemic infection (sepsis) is likely, unless other causes are known.

≥10 ng/mL

Systemic inflammatory response, almost exclusively due to severe bacterial sepsis or septic shock.

Note: Clinical correlation is required for the interpretation of this test.
Performing Location
Cedar Crest Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Redeemer Health
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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