Procalcitonin Test Test
A procalcitonin test measures the level of procalcitonin in your blood. High levels can indicate a serious bacterial infection or sepsis, helping your provider diagnose and manage treatment.
What this test measures
A procalcitonin test measures the level of procalcitonin in your blood. Normally, you have very low levels, but a serious bacterial infection can cause cells throughout your body to release procalcitonin into your bloodstream.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
High procalcitonin levels mean you most likely have sepsis, may have a high risk of developing severe sepsis and septic shock, or may have a serious systemic bacterial infection. The higher the level, the higher the risk. Moderate to mildly high levels may indicate earlier stages of a systemic bacterial infection, kidney infection in children, or conditions like tissue damage from trauma, burns, surgery, or heart attack. Slightly high levels suggest a local bacterial infection, viral infection, or a beginning systemic bacterial infection.
Lower-than-normal results
If you are being treated for a bacterial infection, decreasing or low procalcitonin levels mean that your treatment is working.
Frequently asked questions
What is a procalcitonin test used for?
It is used to help diagnose or rule out a bacterial infection and/or sepsis, find out how serious a sepsis infection may be, make treatment decisions (such as the need for antibiotics), monitor how well treatment is working, and diagnose kidney infections in children with urinary tract infections.
How is the procalcitonin test performed?
The source does not describe how the test is performed. Typically, it is a blood test, but you should ask your provider for details.
What does a high procalcitonin level mean?
A high level means you most likely have sepsis, may have a high risk of severe sepsis and septic shock, or may have a serious systemic bacterial infection. The higher the level, the higher the risk.
What does a low procalcitonin level mean?
If you are being treated for a bacterial infection, decreasing or low levels mean your treatment is working.
Can a procalcitonin test tell the difference between bacterial and viral infections?
Yes, the test helps find out whether bacteria or a virus is causing your infection. For example, it can help tell the difference between bacterial and viral pneumonia.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Procalcitonin Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.