Procalcitonin, Serum

Procalcitonin is a precursor of calcitonin predominantly synthesised by the liver. In neuroendocrine cells (C cells of the thyroid, pulmonary, and pancreatic tissues), it undergoes successive cleavages to form three molecules: calcitonin, katacalcin and an N-terminal fragment. Procalcitonin concentrations start to rise from about four hours after an endotoxin challenge, peak at about six hours and remain increased for over 24 hours. C reactive protein concentrations begin to rise between 6 and 12 hours. Procalcitonin demonstrates better sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value for septic shock than either C reactive protein or the leukocyte count.

In healthy individuals, circulating concentrations of procalcitonin are generally very low, whereas levels are slightly increased in viral infections and inflammatory conditions. Raised concentrations of procalcitonin are found in patients with sepsis or severe bacterial infection and correlate with the severity of the microbial invasion. Infective endocarditis results in significantly higher procalcitonin levels than other systemic infectious or non-infectious disorders with similar clinical presentation. This test is an ideal marker for differentiating bacterial from viral infection. In addition, it is very useful in the diagnosis of meningococcal disease in children presenting with fever and rash.

1 ml Serum Frozen

< 0.05 ng/ml