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PCT morphology (procalcitonin) makes it possible to recognize an infection or inflammation before any symptoms develop. It is one of the most accurate and very simple tests that determines the causes of viral, bacterial, fungal infections or immune diseases. What does the PCT test look like and how to read the results?
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a prohormone of calcitonin, i.e. a thyroid hormone whose secretion is regulated by hormonal stimulation. In contrast, procalcitonin is secreted by numerous cells throughout the body in response to the action of the inflammatory factor. During infection and in various inflammations, the level of protein can increase rapidly, which is why PCT morphology is more and more often performed in order to be able to diagnose and monitor the patient’s health.
PCT morphology (procalcitonin) – course
PCT morphology (procalcitonin) is measured in a fasting venous blood sample. The norm of procalcitonin in adults is 0,05 – 0,1 ng / ml (the percentage norm is within the range of 0,14–0,36 in relation to the total blood volume). The norm of PCT in children is different than in adults in the first two days of life; however, from the third day onwards, reference values apply as for adults. Norms of PCT in a newborn in the first hours of a child’s life:
- 0-6 hours: 2 ng / ml,
- 6-12 hours: 8 ng / ml,
- 12-18 hours: 15 ng / ml,
- 18-30 hours: 21 ng / ml,
- 30-6 hours: 15 ng / ml,
- 36-42 hours: 8 ng / ml,
- 42-48 hours: 2 ng / ml.
PCT morphology (procalcitonin) – results
The protein concentration in the range of 0,5-2 ng / ml is most often caused by a viral infection, chronic inflammation or an autoimmune disease. A similar value of PCT appears in patients after surgery and in healthy newborns in the first six hours of life and lasts for the first three days. People after burns also develop increased levels of PCT. Protein concentration above 2 ng / ml in most cases is the result of a bacterial infection, a syndrome of multiorgan disorders, as well as a fungal infection. Elevated PTC is common in newborn babies (between 6 and 42 hours of age) as well as in malaria patients. As a result of sepsis, septic shock, the level of prolaccitonin can reach even 1000 ng / ml. When comparing the results, it should be remembered that the laboratories performing the tests use different reagents and units, therefore the standards provided may differ from each other.
PCT morphology (procalcitonin) and CRP and OB
Several years ago, the most important marker of inflammation was the Biernacki reaction, i.e. OB. This test measures how quickly red blood cells fall over a certain period of time. Increased ESR indicates inflammation, infections, and injuries. Other factors also influenced the results of the study: pregnancy, exercise, body hydration, fever.
CRP and PCT morphology is less susceptible to the influence of these factors, moreover, it is sensitive and modern research. The determination of CRP (C-reactive protein) and procalcitonin is performed in an automated system, which guarantees the accuracy of the test. For this reason, ESR is performed less and less. PCT morphology is a better marker of sepsis than CRP. It shows a faster and greater growth than CRP and is therefore a more accurate marker of bacterial infections.
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