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HelpOrder Code PRCAL Procalcitonin, Serum
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Useful For
Monitoring antibiotic therapy and all-cause mortality for patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or when obtained in the emergency department or other medical wards prior to ICU admission
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence
Reporting Name
Procalcitonin, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours | |
| Ambient | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
0.00-0.24 ng/mL
Method Description
The procalcitonin method employs monoclonal antibodies specifically directed against procalcitonin. A biotinylated monoclonal antibody and a second monoclonal antibody labeled with a ruthenium complex react to form a sandwich complex. After the addition of streptavidin-coated microparticles, the complex becomes bound to the solid phase via interaction of biotin and streptavidin. The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the electrode. Application of a voltage to the electrode then induces chemiluminescent emission, that is measured by a photomultiplier.(Package insert: PCT. Roche Diagnostics; 04/2023)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
84145