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Test Code N.PROCALCITONIN PROCALCITONIN

Methodology

Automated Chemistry Analyzer (ALINITY)

Specimen Requirements

 

Plasma or SST

Container: Green top Lithium heparin

Specimen Collection: 1 mL (minimum 0.5 mL)

  1. Separate  plasma (Lithium Heparin) from cells within 8 hours and transport refrigerated.
  2. Properly label tube with patients name, DOB, requisition number and type of tube, i.e. GREEN.

Specimen Transport/Stability

Refrigerated: 8 hours on gel, 48 hours poured off

Specimen Rejection

Gross hemolysis.

Maximum Laboratory Time

24 to 48 hours

Reference Ranges

 

Procalcitonin ng/mL
3 days 0.02 - 0.49
   
Procalcitonin Interpretation  
Normal < 0.1
Progression to severe sepsis/shock low 0.1 - 0.50
Consider sepsis 0.50 - 2.00
Progression to septic shock HIGH > 2.00
   
Procalcitonin levels must always be interpreted in the context of other laboratory findings and clinical assesments. 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84145