Procalcitonin
Test Code
PCT
Description
Collect
Plain red top or SST tube.
Patient Prep
Onsite [NJH]: Transport to lab within 1 hour.
Offsite: Separate serum from cells within 2 hours by centrifuge and aliquot into a labeled polypropylene or similar plastic tube.
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum
Pediatric Collection
Unacceptable Conditions
Grossly hemolyzed specimens
Storage Transport Temp
Offsite: Send frozen serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container on dry ice.
Stability
Room Temp (15-25°C) – 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C) – 48 hours
Frozen (≤ -20°C) – 15 days
Performed
Daily
Methodology
Chemiluminescent Magnetic Immunoassay (CLIA)
Turnaround Time
4 hours
Department
Core Lab
Synonyms
PCT
Reference Interval
Procalcitonin Reference Range: 0.00 – 0.07 ng/mL
Interpretation
PCT levels between 0.50 ng/mL and 2.00 ng/mL should be interpreted in the context of the specific clinical background and condition(s) of the individual patient.
PCT Risk Assessment:
<0.50 (low risk of sepsis)
0.50 – 2.00 (sepsis uncertain)
>2.00 (high risk of sepsis)
CPT Code
84145