Tests:Procalcitonin

Overview
Department	Biochemistry
Test Code	PCTN
Synonyms	PCT PCTN
Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	2 hours
Stability – Add test	8 hours unseparated   48 hours when separated from the cells and/or gel
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Plasma Serum
Preferred	6 mL Li-Hep Green-Top
Acceptable	6 mL Plain Red-Top
Unacceptable	Grossly haemolysed samples
Specimen Transportation
Paediatric Requirements	600 µL Li-Hep Microtainer
Aliquot Requirements
Sample	Serum Plasma
Preferred Volume	1 mL
Minimum Volume	0.3 mL
Aliquot Transportation
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals	There are two ranges: Standard ranges and associated comments, and ranges for neonates within the first 48hrs after birth.    Standard ranges:   PCT <0.5 ng/mL – Systemic infection (sepsis) is unlikely.  Local bacterial infection is possible.   PCT >0.5 and <2 ng/mL – Systemic infection is possible but take into count the various conditions are known to induce PCT as well.   PCT >2 and <10 ng/mL – Systemic infection is likely, unless other causes known.   PCT >10 ng/mL – Important SIRS almost exclusively due to bacterial sepsis or septic shock.    Neonate ranges:   Age in hours PCT ng/m 0-6 < 2 6-12 < 8 12-18 < 15 18-30 < 21 30-36 < 15 33-42 < 8 42-48 < 2
Test Method	Abbott Alinity i series analyser using Abbott Regents.  Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
Advanced Notice	Not required
Patient Preparation	Not required
Comments
PCT levels can be increased in certain circumstances without infectious origin.  These include, but are not limited to:   Prolonged or severe cardiogenic shock   Prolonged severe organ perfusion anomalies   Small cell lung cancer or medullary C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid   Early after major trauma, major surgery intervention, severe burns   Treatments which stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Owner	Clair Crossley (Crossley1)
Last reviewed	23.09.2026
Next review	23.09.2027 (OK)