What does the Procalcitonin Test Measure ?

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.

Why should I do the Procalcitonin Test ?

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.

How is the Procalcitonin Test Done ?

The Procalcitonin test is a simple blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the phlebotomist at a pathology lab or at home. at Maurya Labs, Purnea the test is done on a machine called Fully Automatic Hormonal Assay which is the first and only one in entire Seemanchal region. The sample collection takes less than a minute.

What is the importance of Procalcitonin Test ?

A procalcitonin test is mostly used if you are seriously ill and your provider thinks you may have a systemic infection (an infection that affects your entire body). The test helps find out whether bacteria or a virus is causing your infection. For example, a procalcitonin test can help tell the difference between bacterial and viral pneumonia. This matters because antibiotics help most bacterial infections, but not viral infections.