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Test Code N.PROCALCITONIN PROCALCITONIN

Methodology

Automated Chemistry Analyzer

Specimen Requirements

 

Plasma

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 Rejection

Gross hemolysis.

Maximum Laboratory Time

24 to 48 hours

Specimen Transport/Stability

Refrigerated: 8 hours on gel, 48 hours poured off

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84145

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

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.