Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of calcitonin.
In healthy individuals, PCT circulates at very low levels. While during bacterial infections and systemic inflammation, PCT levels rise rapidly, making it a sensitive biomarker for sepsis and severe infections.
Clinical Significance of PCT
● Correlates with infection severity, and provides guidance in sepsis and septic shock, respiratory infections, acute pancreatitis, and other severe bacterial infections
● Monitors disease progression and treatment response
● Guiding antibiotic therapy and stewardship
● Not a standalone tool – most effective when combined with other screening tools, such as qSOFA scoring and hs-CRP. Best interpreted in conjunction with input from clinicians, pharmacists, and laboratory specialists.
2. Results Interpretation - Assessing Sepsis Risk with PCT Levels
|
PCT (ng/mL) |
Risk Category |
Interpretation |
|
< 0.05 |
Normal |
Normal; low likelihood of bacterial sepsis; suggests viral or non-infectious cause. |
|
0.05 - 0.5 |
Low |
Early bacterial infection or inflammation possible; monitor and retest as needed. |
|
0.5 - 2 |
Intermediate |
Significant bacterial infection or systemic inflammation; consider patient history; retest in 6–24 hours. |
|
2 -10 |
High |
Severe bacterial infection; high risk of sepsis or septic shock; immediate clinical attention required. |
|
> 10 |
Very High |
Strongly indicates severe sepsis or septic shock with risk of organ failure; urgent intervention needed. |
Important Considerations: PCT results must be evaluated alongside the patient's clinical presentation, symptoms, and other laboratory tests.
3. Poclight Procalcitonin (PCT) Test Kit: Timely, Reliable, and Ready-to-Use
(1) Key Advantages
✓ Proven Technology: Highly sensitive and reliable detection with LOD ≤ 0.02 ng/mL and a wide linear range (0.02–100 ng/mL, r ≥ 0.990). PCT results on Poclight C5000 Analyzer are consistent with the Roche Elecsys BRAHMS PCT reference.
✓ Fast & Efficient: Easy operation, results available within 5 minutes
✓ Lyophilized reagents: freeze-dried for room temperature storage (2–30°C) with an extended shelf life of 18 months, eliminating the need for cold chain transport.
✓ Trusted Quality: Strict quality control, CE certified, ensuring reproducible and accurate results.
✓ High Precision: Excellent assay precision (CV <5%) for consistent monitoring.
✓ Poclight POC CLIA Expertise:
● The Poclight C5000 Analyzer combines high-throughput PCT testing (80 tests/hour) with quick & accurate results
● Intuitive operation and reliable reproducibility, making it ideal for both clinical labs and point-of-care settings.
✓ Comprehensive Support: Training, marketing resources, and dedicated customer service to assist adoption.
(2) Poclight PCT Assay Specifications
|
Item |
Specification / Value |
|
Detection Limit (LOD) |
≤ 0.02 ng/mL |
|
Measurement Range |
0.02-100 ng/mL (r ≥ 0.990 within this linear range) |
|
Sample Volume |
200 μL |
|
Sample Type |
Serum / Plasma |
|
Assay Time / Turnaround |
5 min |
|
Precision (CV%) |
<5% |
|
Reference Range |
＜0.05 ng/mL normal |
|
Applicable System: |
Poclight C5000 Analyzer |
4. Ready to Bring Poclight PCT Testing to Your Facility?
Partner with us today to elevate the quality of PCT diagnostics at your facility! Contact us to request a demo, explore partnership opportunities, or learn more about how Poclight’s POCT solutions can benefit your practice.
Discover more about our full suite of POCT inflammation solutions and how they can enhance clinical decision-making:
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test Kit
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Test Kit
Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) Test Kit
Heparin-binding protein (HBP) Test Kit