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What can elevated PCTs show on a complete blood count? Do you feel weak and tire quickly? What is PCT? What role does it play in the body? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
What can elevated PCT morphology mean?
Hello. I’m 49 years old. I have been feeling very bad for a long time, I am weakened, I get tired quickly even without much physical exertion, I have a fever from time to time, which luckily drops after an antipyretic drug. I have been having trouble urinating for some time, I have the feeling that I don’t have a full bowel movement, I’m burning and peeing small amounts of urine.
The GP ordered a urine analysis for me and complete blood count with smear. Yesterday I got the results, most of the parameters are normal, but I have elevated PCT. What could this be caused by? Can elevated PCT in morphology result from an infection with bacteria, what exactly is PCT? I am also wondering if I should do additional research, maybe more detailed.
Czy elevated PCT in morphology should be consulted with a general practitioner or should I see another specialist, if so, which one? I do not take any medications on a permanent basis, I only take dietary supplements and vitamin kits every day. I am asking for an answer and a hint as to what I should do.
The doctor explains what PCT is and what is evidenced by the increased level of this indicator
Determination of the level of PCT – procalcitonin is not included in the scope of the blood count. Blood morphology is the qualitative and quantitative assessment of its morphotic elements. PCT level test can be performed additionally by ordering blood collection. Procalcitonin is an acute phase protein that is an indicator of ongoing inflammation in the body. You can get a referral for a PCT level test during an online visit with a family doctor under the NFZ insurance.
Its normal blood concentration is ≤15 nmol / l. In the event of an infection, the concentration of procalcitonin increases very quickly. The increase in PCT concentration is characteristic of bacterial infections. Therefore, this test is used to distinguish between bacterial infection and viral etiology. This allows for appropriate treatment, often including antibiotics. It all depends on the clinical case and the presented symptoms.
Testing the level of procalcitonin it is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. It allows to assess whether the patient is recovering. A decrease in the level of PCT indicates a good treatment result, the use of effective therapy. An increase in PCT occurs in acute pancreatitis. It reflects the severity of the disease. Determination of procalcitonin level found its application in sepsis. Its low concentration may lead to refraining from starting antibiotic therapy.
Do elevated procalcitonin levels may occur in the course of autoimmune diseases. Normally, procalcitonin is a precursor to calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Calcitonin, along with other hormones, regulates the calcium-phosphate balance.
Testing the procalcitonin level is not a test that clearly confirms or excludes a bacterial infection. Such tests are cultures of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Please see the doctor who ordered the test results. Based on the medical history and physical examination, the doctor will decide on further diagnosis or treatment. You can conveniently and quickly arrange both an appointment and the necessary tests as part of the medical subscription. Take advantage of the LUXMED Group’s offer.
— Lek. Anna Mitchke
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