Kenya Medical Laboratory Tests

Procalcitonin Test in Kenya

Brief Description

This test measures level of procalcitonin in blood"," for patients suspected to have serious infections or sepsis.

Synonyms

PCT

Patient Preparation

Patient should not be under biotin supplement for at least 72 hours before the sample collection is done.

Sample Type

Serum or plasma"," frozen

Sample volume

0.8 mL

Sample collection Container

Red-top tube"," gel-barrier tube"," green-top (lithium heparin) tube"," or lavender-top (EDTA) tube

Sample collection instructions

Plasma and serum should be separated and transferred to plastic tubes before freezing.

Sample storage

Stable at room temperature for 24 hours"," refrigerated for 48 hours"," frozen for 3 months

Reference range

<0. 1ng/mL

Results Turnaround

2-3 days after receipt of samples

Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators

High procalcitonin levels increases risks for sepsis and septic shock"," and are associated with local or systemic bacterial infections.