PROCALCITONIN TEST

A blood test known as the PCT checks procalcitonin. Procalcitonin is the precursor hormone to calcitonin which is synthesised in the thyroid gland. Usually, procalcitonin levels are low in a healthy person but can increase substantially after bacterial infections, especially severe ones. For a procalcitonin test, a blood sample is required. It measures the amount of a chemical known as procalcitonin that is produced by different types of cells in the body. Procalcitonin levels can be high if there is bacterial infection or any tissue damage. Therefore, in case a bacterial infection is widespread or systematic, the procalcitonin levels can spike rapidly. Other conditions too can cause an increase in procalcitonin, mostly mild to moderate. However, the elevation of procalcitonin does not mean that sepsis will occur. It is just an indication that further investigation will be needed for the nature of systemic disease to be addressed.