Procalcitonin
Also known as: BRAHMS PCT, calcitonin precursor, PCT, Pro-calcitonin, Procalcitonin assay
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Summary
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of the hormone calcitonin, released by neuroendocrine cells; clinically measured as a biomarker for bacterial sepsis and systemic infection.
Mechanism of Action
Procalcitonin is the 116‑amino‑acid precursor of calcitonin; its serum levels rise in response to pro‑inflammatory stimuli, especially bacterial infection.
Routes of Administration
No administration routes recorded yet.
Goals & Uses
- Monitoring treatment response in sepsisPrognostic / MonitoringHigh
- Diagnosis of bacterial sepsisDiagnostic / BiomarkerHigh
- Risk stratification in lower respiratory tract infectionDiagnostic / BiomarkerHigh
- Prognosis in critically ill patientsPrognosticModerate
- Sepsis diagnosisDiagnosticHigh
- Antibiotic stewardship guidanceTherapeutic Decision SupportHigh
- Differentiation of bacterial vs. viral infectionDiagnostic / BiomarkerHigh
Contraindications
- Sole reliance for antibiotic decisions in immunocompromised patientsClinical LimitationHigh
- Use as sole diagnostic in fungal or parasitic infectionsDiagnostic LimitationModerate
Adverse Effects
- Phlebotomy-related discomfortProceduralCommon
Drug Interactions
No drug interactions recorded yet.
Population Constraints
- Patients with medullary thyroid carcinomaDisease StateRelative
- Severe renal failure (ESRD)Organ ImpairmentRelative
- Neonates (<72 hours of life)AgeRelative
- Post-major surgery or trauma patientsClinical ConditionRelative
- NeonatesPediatricRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedAvailable as in‑vitro diagnostic reagent.
- United StatesUnapprovedUsed in FDA‑cleared diagnostic kits, not as a drug.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Sepsis risk stratification, Antibiotic decision support in respiratory tract infectionsNICE recommends PCT testing in certain sepsis and antibiotic stewardship contexts; UKCA/CE-marked diagnostic assays available.
Not approved as a therapeutic; used in in‑vitro diagnostic assays under FDA clearance (e.g., BRAHMS PCT assay).
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Procalcitonin?
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of the hormone calcitonin, released by neuroendocrine cells; clinically measured as a biomarker for bacterial sepsis and systemic infection.
What is Procalcitonin used for?
Procalcitonin is educationally associated with: Monitoring treatment response in sepsis, Diagnosis of bacterial sepsis, Risk stratification in lower respiratory tract infection, Prognosis in critically ill patients, Sepsis diagnosis, Antibiotic stewardship guidance, Differentiation of bacterial vs. viral infection. Educational only — not medical advice.
What are the potential side effects of Procalcitonin?
Reported adverse effects include: Phlebotomy-related discomfort. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Procalcitonin?
Recorded contraindications: Sole reliance for antibiotic decisions in immunocompromised patients, Use as sole diagnostic in fungal or parasitic infections. Consult a qualified clinician before use.