PCT

Duration: 10 minutes

Aids the diagnosis and management of severe bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections

Clinical significance of test

Procalcitonin (PCT) is the precursor of the hormone calcitonin, which in normal metabolic conditions is mainly produced by the C-cells of the thyroid medulla and to a lesser extent by other neuroendocrine cells. The blood of healthy individuals contains only very low levels of PCT. Following pro-inflammatory stimulation (particularly systemic bacterial infection), PCT is produced by numerous cell types. PCT affects the immune response by modulating the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also acts as a chemokine, influencing the migration of monocytes and parenchymal cells to the site of inflammation. PCT plays a role in vascular contraction through inhibiting or activating the induction of inducible NO‐synthase. It elevates in plasma when severe bacterial, fungal, parasitic infections, sepsis and multiple organ failure occur.

Steps of operation

Clinical application

• Differential diagnosis of bacterial inflammatory diseases
• Monitor patients at risk of infection
• Course monitoring and prognosis

NOTE: PCT is not only an acute indicator for differential diagnosis, but also a parameter for monitoring inflammatory activity. The detection of PCT should be a series, namely daily detection and short interval detection in special cases, such as every 8-12 h. Even a single test for acute differential diagnosis should continue to be monitored.

Interpretation of results