Procalcitonin (PCT)

Procalcitonin is a protein that is produced by the body in response to bacterial infections. It’s particularly useful in diagnosing sepsis and determining the need for antibiotics.

Why consider this test?

• Differentiates bacterial infections from viral infections: Procalcitonin levels rise significantly in bacterial infections and are relatively low in viral infections.
• Helps in diagnosing sepsis: High procalcitonin levels are an early marker of sepsis, which requires immediate treatment.
• Antibiotic stewardship: The test helps physicians decide whether to prescribe antibiotics, especially in hospital settings, reducing overuse of antibiotics.

Who should get this test done?

1. Individuals suspected of having a bacterial infection or sepsis.
2. Hospital patients with fever, elevated white blood cell counts, and other systemic signs of infection.
3. Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

More Information

Procalcitonin is a substance produced by the body often in response to tissue injury or bacterial infections. Sepsis is an inflammatory response by the body to a bacterial infection and is often life-threatening. The immune system responds to a bacterial infection by confining it to the site of infection. At times, infection begins in one part of the body but can travel to other sites or the blood. Sepsis, simply put is a generalised inflammatory response and is serious and needs immediate diagnosis and treatment.This test is particularly valuable in emergency care and intensive care units, where sepsis can escalate quickly. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use is critical to combating antibiotic resistance.