Procalcitonin Test

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, the cells in many parts of your body will release procalcitonin into your bloodstream.

A high level of procalcitonin in your blood may be a sign of a serious infection or sepsis (an overactive and extreme response to infection). Sepsis (also called septicemia) is your immune system's extreme response to an infection, usually from bacteria. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have spreads into your bloodstream and triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.

It causes inflammation (swelling) and blood clots. Without quick treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, or even death. 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 from a bacterial infection or if you have a high risk of developing sepsis. This may help you get the right treatment quickly before your condition worsens.

Why this test is done

You may need this test if you have symptoms of sepsis or a serious bacterial infection that could become sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis include:

• Fever or chills
• Clammy or sweaty skin
• Confusion
• Extreme pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath, feeling like you can't get enough air
• Low blood pressure
• Reduced amounts of urine (pee)

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or your loved one has an infection that's not getting better or is getting worse, get medical help right away.

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparation for a procalcitonin test.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

PCT test