Procalcitonin
Procalcitonin is a precursor to the hormone calcitonin, a relatively specific marker for severe bacterial infection in patients with suspected sepsis.
| Tube | 01 (SE) - Serum Gel |
|---|---|
| ID | Tests&Tubes0097 |
| Additional Information | Procalcitonin is normally produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid but can also be produced by the neuroendocrine cells of the lung and the intestine in response to proinflammatory stimuli. Elevated procalcitonin concentrations occur in systemic bacterial infections. Relatively low concentrations are seen with viral infections or inflammatory diseases. Procalcitonin is more sensitive than CRP in discriminating between bacterial and viral infections. Low procalcitonin predicts the absence of bacteraemia/sepsis. An increase in procalcitonin in response to infection occurs before a rise in CRP. |
| Turn Around | A&E: N/A Day Case: N/A In-Patient: 6 Hours Out-Patient: N/A GP: N/A |
| Send to | Blood Sciences Cross Site |
| Contact | For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: leedsth-tr.pathologycustomerservice@nhs.net. |
| Collection Con | Minimum volume - 750µl serum / plasma Instructions for Lab Staff: Standard lab processing - No special requirements. |
| Sample REQ | Blood |
| Ref. Range Notes | Blood Sciences reference ranges are available through the useful information and links page: https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/pathology/blood-sciences/useful-information-and-links/ |
| Units | µg/L |
| Telepath | LGI: PCT1LSJUH: PCT1J |
| ICE Codes | LPCT |
