Procalcitonin MGH Order Code: PRCT 
    Site
 
MGH
 
    System
 
SUNQUEST LAB
 
    Epic Lab Code
 
LAB39553
 
    Local Code
 
PRCT
 
    Specimen
 
BLOOD
 
    Container
 
Gold top tube, plain, gel, 5 ml
 
    Neonatal/Pediatric Instructions
 
Two full red top microtainers.
 
    Turnaround Time
 
1-4 days
 
    Order Message
 
Procalcitonin is NOT generally indicated in the following situations: 
1) Known chronic bacterial infection requiring long term antibiotics 
2) Severely immunocompromised (other than corticosteroids) or 
3) Acute COPD exacerbation
 
    Result Interpretation
 
<=0.25 ng/mL:
Bacterial pneumonia is unlikely

<0.5 ng/mL:
Low likelihood of systemic bacterial infection / sepsis. Localized infection is possible

0.5-2.0 ng/mL:
Systemic bacterial infection / sepsis is possible, but other conditions can induce PCT
levels in this range as well (e.g., pancreatitis, severe trauma, circulatory shock,
surgery, burns, inhalation injury, and pancreatitis)

>2.0 ng/mL: 
Systemic bacterial infection / sepsis is likely
 
    Additional Information
 
MGB Procalcitonin Guidelines
 
    Reference Range
 
0.0-0.25 ng/mL (updated 1/23/2024)
 
    Department
 
CHEMISTRY
 
    Send Out
 
No
 
    Category
 
CORE
 
    Last Update
 
3/2/2025 14:41:26