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General
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Clinical Use:
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Procalcitonin is a highly specific marker for the diagnosis and management of sepsis and systemic bacterial infections. It is an early warning of a new infection. |
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Availability:
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Samples are tested routinely during the testing laboratory's hours of operation. |
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Aliases/Synonyms:
| PCT, |
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Code:
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PCT |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
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Hyperlink:
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Reference Interval:
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PCT < 0.05 ug/L
Healthy adult.
PCT 0.05 to 0.5 ug/L
Systemic infection is not likely although localised infection is
possible.
PCT = 0.5 to 2 ug/L
Systemic infection is possible but other conditions (eg major trauma,
recent surgery, severe cardiogenic shock) may also induce significant
PCT rises.
PCT = 2 to 10 ug/L
Systemic infection is likely.
PCT >= 10 ug/L
Likely severe bacterial sepsis or septic shock.
These thresholds do not apply in the first week of life; for example see
Stocker et al., 2010, BMC Pediatrics 10: 89-97
(http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/10/89)
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD), |
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Sample Type:
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See container |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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300uL |
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Collection Instructions:
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Non-medicare rebateable item. All patients except Public, VA and Pensioners must pay $25.40 upfront.
If sample will not reach laboratory within 48 hours of collection, it must be centrifuged, separated and frozen. |
Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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Lithium Heparin-PST (GREEN) |
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Processing Instructions:
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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70uL |
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Stability:
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24 hours ambient; 48 hours chilled; 24 months frozen |
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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| Core |
Biochemistry |
Fiona Stanley Hospital |
6152 8140 |
| Core |
Biochemistry |
QEII Medical Centre |
6383 4093 |
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Last Updated : 13-10-2020 16:02 |