Procalcitonin $$

Procalcitonin, also known as PCT or procalcitonin, is the prohormone of the peptide hormone calcitonin and is produced in the C cells of the thyroid gland. PCT is activated independently of calcitonin during inflammatory reactions.

The determination of the procalcitonin level serves to differentiate bacterial and non-bacterial infections and to monitor the course of bacterial infections.

Standard value: <0,10 ng/ml.

Pathologically elevated: in systemic and septic infections by bacteria, fungi or parasites and in multiorgan failure (values at 2-10ng/ml; >10ng/ml - sepsis probable).

The PCT level correlates with the inflammatory activity and the severity of the clinical picture. Once the infection has been overcome, the PCT level quickly returns to normal.

In chronic diseases or viral infections, no or only a slight increase in the level is observed.

1. Böhm BO (2018) Thyroid hormones. In: Neumeister B et al. (Eds) Clinical guide to laboratory diagnostics. Elsevier GmbH S. 106-107