Procalcitonin (PCT)
Clinical Biochemistry
Sample and container requirements
Serum Lithium Heparin Plasma (paediatrics only)
Minimum volume required
Special requirements
None
Patient preparation
None
Sample viability
Turnaround time
The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours.
Reference range
Clinical guidance
Procalcitonin is not routinely available (only for patients on ITU/critical care). Increased levels of procalcitonin are found in patients with bacterial sepsis. It has been proposed as a tool to guide antibiotic decision making. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about procalcitonin. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/procalcitonin
Notes
Images to go here
This information was last updated on 19 August 2026