Description
Why It’s Done:
• To diagnose bacterial infections, especially in cases where it is difficult to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections
• To monitor the severity of infections, particularly sepsis or pneumonia, and to help assess the response to treatment
• To help decide whether antibiotics are necessary, as procalcitonin levels often increase significantly in bacterial infections
• To guide treatment decisions, especially in critically ill patients or those with respiratory infections
• To assess the risk of developing sepsis in hospitalized or high-risk patients
Preparation:
• No special preparation is usually required for this test.
• A blood sample will be drawn, usually from a vein in your arm.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any current infections, medications, or underlying conditions, as these can influence the test results.
• Follow any specific instructions from your doctor if the test is part of a broader diagnostic evaluation
