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HelpTest Code LABPCALC Procalcitonin
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| PROCALCITONIN | LABPCALC | PCALC |
Methodology
Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Immunoassay (ELFA)
Specimen Requirements
Note: If there are to be several tests ordered for any 1 patient, the same specimen/tube type MUST be used for each collection.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Collection Instructions: Grossly hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic specimen is not acceptable.
Additional information:
Spin down, separate and aliquot within 8 hrs of draw if testing will be >48 hrs.
1. Specimens may go through 3 freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Specimens that contain fibrin particles or other cellular debris should be centrifuged prior to being tested.
3. Specimens that have been stored frozen MUST be centrifuged prior to being tested.
4. Label specimen appropriately (plasma) if aliquot is necessary.
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Collection Instructions: Grossly hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic specimen is not acceptable.
Additional Information:
Spin down, separate and aliquot within 8 hrs of draw if testing will be >48 hrs .
1. Specimens may go through 3 freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Specimens that contain fibrin particles or other cellular debris should be centrifuged prior to being tested.
3. Specimens that have been stored frozen MUST be centrifuged prior to being tested.
4. Label specimen appropriately (serum) if aliquot is necessary.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 48 hours/Frozen 15 Days OK/Ambient NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry-
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab, Deer River Hospital Lab, St. Mary's Hospital - Superior Lab, Northern Pines Hospital Lab, Sandstone Hospital Lab, Virginia Hospital Lab, Moose Lake Hospital Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab, St. Mary's Hospital Detroit Lakes Lab , Fosston Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84145
Reference Values
Procalcitonin Interpretation Guidelines:
Diagnosis of systemic bacterial infection/sepsis and/or septic shock:
< 0.50 ng/mL Low risk for sepsis; localized bacterial infection possible
0.50 - 2.00 ng/mL Sepsis is possible; Interpret in context of specific clinical background and condition of
the patient - recommend retesting Procalcitonin within 6 - 24 hours
> 2.00 ng/mL High risk for sepsis and/or septic shock
Diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection:
< 0.10 ng/mL Bacterial infection very unlikely
0.10 - 0.25 ng/mL Bacterial infection unlikely
0.26 - 0.50 ng/mL Bacterial infection likely
> 0.50 ng/mL Bacterial infection very likely
Procalcitonin levels must be interpreted in the context of all laboratory findings and the total clinical status of the patient.