The procalcitonin test is a crucial tool for diagnosing serious bacterial infections and sepsis. By measuring the level of procalcitonin in the blood, it allows health professionals to assess the severity of the infection and decide on the appropriate treatment. Learn about its importance in managing life-threatening infections.
A procalcitonin test measures the level of procalcitonin in your blood. Normally, you have very low levels of procalcitonin in your blood. But if you have a serious bacterial infection, cells in many parts of your body will release procalcitonin into your bloodstream. A high level of procalcitonin in your blood can be a sign of a serious infection or sepsis.
Sepsis (also called sepsis) is your immune system's extreme response to an infection, usually caused by bacteria. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have spreads through your bloodstream and starts a chain reaction throughout your body. It causes inflammation and blood clots. Without prompt treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
The infections that lead to sepsis most often start in your lungs, urinary tract, skin, or digestive system. A procalcitonin test can help your health care provider diagnose if you have sepsis due to a bacterial infection or if you are at high risk of developing sepsis. This can help you get the right treatment quickly before your condition worsens.
Other names: PCT test
A procalcitonin test is primarily used if you are seriously ill and your doctor thinks you may have a systemic infection (an infection that affects your entire body). The test helps determine if bacteria or a virus is causing your infection. For example, a procalcitonin test can help tell the difference between bacterial and viral pneumonia. This is important because antibiotics can help bacterial infections but not viral infections.
The test can be used to help:
This test is generally used in the hospital for very ill people who are in the emergency room or who have already been admitted to the hospital.
You may need this test if you have symptoms of sepsis or a serious bacterial infection that could develop into sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis include:
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or someone close to you has an infection that is not getting better or getting worse, seek medical help right away.
A health professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight prick when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
You do not need special preparation for a procalcitonin test.
There is very little risk in taking a blood test. You may feel a slight pain or bruise where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms go away quickly.
High levels of procalcitonin mean that you:
The higher your procalcitonin levels, the higher your risk of sepsis and septic shock.
Moderate to slightly elevated levels of procalcitonin may be a sign of:
Slightly elevated levels of procalcitonin mean that you are unlikely to develop sepsis, but they may be a sign of:
If you are being treated for a bacterial infection, a decrease or low levels of procalcitonin mean that your treatment is working.
Learn more about lab tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
A procalcitonin test will not show what type of bacteria is causing an infection. To make a complete diagnosis, your doctor will likely order additional tests. But a procalcitonin test gives you important information about your risk of sepsis, so you can start treatment sooner, if needed, and avoid more serious illness.
Diseases
Diseases and vaccines
Lifestyle
Activity
Nutrition
Sleep
Hygiene
Emotional Health
2025 La Rive Clinic. All rights reserved
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Cookies settings
