What is Procalcitonin (PCT)?

Procalcitonin is a hormone produced in the thyroid gland. Normally, it is found at very low levels in the body. However, in cases of infection and inflammation, especially bacterial infections, procalcitonin levels increase.

Procalcitonin can be measured to help assess the severity of the infection and the response to treatment. High levels may indicate a serious infection, while low levels may show that the infection is under control.

The PCT test is a blood test used to measure procalcitonin levels. This test is used to determine the cause of infection and to identify appropriate treatment. The PCT test is usually used together with other blood tests and helps evaluate the severity of the infection and response to treatment.

While the PCT test is used to determine the cause of infection, other blood tests can help identify the type of infection. For example, a high white blood cell count is an indication that the infection is bacterial.

High PCT levels may indicate a serious infection. In this case, the cause of the infection should be identified and appropriate treatment should be started. Additionally, the PCT test may be repeated to evaluate the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.

Low PCT levels may indicate that the infection is under control. However, in this case, the cause of the infection should still be identified and appropriate treatment should continue. Additionally, the PCT test may be repeated to help evaluate the response to treatment.

PCT test results can help evaluate the severity of an infection and the response to treatment. High levels may indicate a serious infection, while low levels may suggest that the infection is under control.

The PCT test should be performed to determine the cause of an infection and to establish the appropriate treatment. Additionally, it can help assess the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.

The PCT test can be performed to evaluate whether antibiotic treatment is effective. Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotic treatment may lead to a decrease in procalcitonin levels.