Procalcitonin, PCT, Plasma or Serum
Methodology
Ortho Vitros 7600, A two-step Immunometric technique
Specimen Requirements
Plasma, light green or EDTA (Preferred)
Serum, Red top or yellow, SST (acceptable)
Serial testing should occur using the same sample as initial testing. Ex: if Plasma ran initially then serial testing should occur using plasma
Specimen Transport Temperature
Sample stability:
Room temp <24 hours
Refridgerated off the clot or cells <48 hours
Reference Values
Normal (Adults and Children ≥72hrs old): ≤ 0.10 ng/mL
Slightly Elevated: 0.11 – 0.50 ng/mL
Elevated: 0.51 – 2.0 ng/mL
Critical Value: > 2.0 ng/mL
Results must be interpreted within clinical context and condition of patient.
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84145