Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Billings Clinic

Advantages of PCT

Advantages

Much more specific to bacterial infection than other tests (e.g. CRP); PCT is typically not elevated in viral or other infections or generalized inflammation.

Rapid response to bacterial infection

  • Detectable within 2-4 hours and peaks within 6-24hrs

Levels often decrease rapidly as infection subsides (useful to assess antibiotic regimens)

Correlates well with severity of infection (i.e. higher PCT indicates worse infection)

May be useful as prognostic indicator (i.e. very high levels can indicate higher risk of mortality)

Not impacted by immunosuppression or anti-inflammatory agents