PCT

PCT or Procalcitonin is a protein that is normally produced in the body in small amounts. However, its levels can significantly increase during severe bacterial infections, making it a useful marker for diagnosing and monitoring sepsis.

Overview

Procalcitonin is a peptide precursor of the hormone calcitonin, which is involved in calcium homeostasis. It is composed of 116 amino acids and is produced by parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid and by the neuroendocrine cells of the lung and the intestine.

Clinical significance

The level of procalcitonin in the blood stream of healthy individuals is below the limit of detection (0.01 µg/L) of clinical assays. However, it rises in response to a proinflammatory stimulus, especially of bacterial origin. Therefore, it is used as a marker of severe sepsis and septic shock.

Diagnostic use

Procalcitonin test is used in the diagnosis of serious bacterial infections and sepsis. It can also help to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, as its levels do not typically rise in viral infections.

See also

• Sepsis
• Bacterial infections
• Calcitonin
• Thyroid

References

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