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PCT Blood Test: Costs, Purpose, Normal Range and Interpretation

PCT Blood Test (Procalcitonin)
  • Sample Type : Blood
  • Parameters : 1
  • Report Time : 24/48 Hrs
  • Home Collection: Yes
  • Fasting : Not Required
  • Age Group: All
OFFER PRICE:  ₹1185 ₹1350 30% off

 

Procalcitonin Test
12+ booked in last 3 days

The procalcitonin (PCT) test is a diagnostic tool used in medicine to detect bacterial infections. Procalcitonin is the biomarker that plays a pivotal role in the etiology of infections. Though it is mostly produced in the thyroid gland, neuroendocrine cells release procalcitonin as a response to bacterial infections. A procalcitonin test determines your blood's procalcitonin level. Procalcitonin levels in your blood are typically relatively low. However, your blood's normal PCT levels may increase if you have sepsis or a severe infection.

Learn everything about PCT Testing before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

Why Do I Need PCT Blood Test?

Have you been struggling with shortness of breath, occasional or frequent chills, rapid heartbeat, confusion or extreme pain? These could be the indicators of sepsis, an acute bacterial infection. You are recommended to go for a procalcitonin blood test if your primary healthcare physician suspects a sepsis or any other severe bacterial infection. 

Opt for an at-home or in-clinic PCT blood test right away when you or your loved ones experience any symptoms of:

  • Sepsis: It is a condition that gets triggered by the chain reaction from pre-existing infections in the lungs, skin, urinary tract or the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Bacterial Pneumonia: A bacterial infection that impacts the lungs.
  • Bacterial Meningitis: It is a life-threatening condition and occurs when the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord get infected with bacteria.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections can impact any part of the urinary tract and these may snowball and affect the surrounding organs too.
  • Intra-Abdominal Infections: These are mostly caused in the GI tract when the bad bacteria in the gut outweighs the good microbiome.
  • Skin and soft tissue infections caused by bacteria

These acute bacterial infections when left untreated for long, can lead to medical emergencies. Over time, your survival prognosis will rapidly decline.

How To Prepare For PCT Blood Test?

To prepare for Procalcitonin Blood Test, follow these steps: Consult your healthcare provider, inform them about medications, avoid intense exercise, follow fasting instructions if given, and provide accurate medical history.

What Happens During PCT Blood Testing?

A PCT Blood test only takes a few minutes. 

  • As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a lab technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
  • A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
  • The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
  • The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
  • They place a small bandage on the arm.

Should you book blood test online to check your procalcitonin levels or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let's Find Out

Can I Take PCT Lab Test At Home?

Yes, the PCT blood testing can be taken at home. HealthcareOnTime's at-home lab testing service in association with Thyrocare, provides a convenient and efficient way to get important medical tests done from the comfort of your place, without the need for a doctor's visit or a trip to a lab. It is always preferable to consult with a healthcare provider about any concerns regarding your test results.

How Much Does PCT Test Cost?

Are you curious about the Procalcitonin test cost? At HealthcareOnTime, we believe in delivering cost-effective solutions to provide you with essential insights into your health.

Procalcitonin test price can vary depending on factors like your location, healthcare provider, and insurance coverage. However, we are pleased to offer this crucial test at the affordable price of just INR 1185! Our prices not only compete in the market but also maintain the highest quality standards.

In India, PCT test prices typically start at INR 600, though these prices may vary depending on the specific laboratory and city. It's important to monitor your Procalcitonin levels as elevated levels can indicate infection and inflammation, making early detection crucial for timely intervention and appropriate treatment.

But here's the exciting part ' HealthcareOnTime is committed to making healthcare accessible for everyone. We provide valuable services, including affordable Procalcitonin tests, in over 4500+ pincodes nationwide. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we strive to ensure essential health assessments are easily accessible to all.

You received your PCT blood test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to understand whether your results are within the PCT normal range or not.

What Does Procalcitonin Test Results Mean?

The Procalcitonin Blood Test cannot identify and determine an infection all alone. However, this blood test helps doctors figure out whether sepsis or any other bacterial infection is present in your body or not. Low procalcitonin levels in an unwell patient indicate a low risk of developing sepsis and/or progressing to severe sepsis and/or septic shock. Significant levels signal a higher risk of developing severe sepsis and septic shock and a significant likelihood of sepsis. 

With the help of serum procalcitonin test or s procalcitonin test results, your doctor can determine how severe your sepsis is and whether it will likely escalate to septic shock, which happens when blood pressure falls dangerously low. 

Your primary care physician may also recommend CBC blood test, CRP test, CSF analysis, blood cultures and other diagnostic tests to offer you a conclusive and holistic diagnosis. 

What Is The Procalcitonin Test Normal Range?

PCT blood test normal range based on different age groups is:

Age Group

PCT Normal Range

Adults 

< 0.1 ng/mL

Children

< 0.2 ng/mL

Infant

< 0.3 ng/mL

What Medical Conditions Can Cause High Procalcitonin Level?

Medical conditions that result in high levels of procalcitonin in the body are: 

  • Sepsis: An acute condition that is triggered by a chain reaction of infections in other body parts. 
  • Risk of having severe sepsis: An existing sepsis condition or the risk of it can result in a surge in procalcitonin levels and raise your chances of developing severe sepsis. 
  • Septic shock: An acute and life-threatening condition during which your blood pressure drops down dangerously. 
  • Severe systemic bacterial infections of the lungs, skin, urinary and GI tracts. 

The higher the PCT levels in your body, the higher is your risk of having sepsis and experiencing septic shock.

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low Procalcitonin Level?

Medical conditions that can cause low levels of procalcitonin in the body are: 

  • Kidney infection (among children) 
  • The initial stage of systemic bacterial infection
  • Severe heart attack
  • Recent surgery and serious burns
  • Tissue damage from trauma

Procalcitonin levels that are declining or low after medicine administration often indicate the effectiveness of your medication if you are being medicated for a bacterial illness. 

Convenience at Your Doorstep

Ever wished for healthcare that comes to you? HealthcareOnTime makes it a reality with doorstep lab testing, cutting out clinic hassles. No more queues or travel stress. Experience at-home sample collection, prioritizing health without time constraints. —your path to health, now just a doorstep away!

Affordable Testing with Thyrocare Partnership

Experience cost-effective lab testing at-home with HealthcareOnTime's exclusive partnership with Thyrocare. Benefit from competitive prices while ensuring precise results. Our collaboration with Thyrocare Technologies Limited guarantees affordability without compromising on the accuracy and reliability of your lab test.

Comprehensive Health Screening

At HealthcareOnTime, we've got your back with our comprehensive health checkup packages! Take charge of your well-being by booking online. These packages empower you to stay ahead, catching potential issues early for timely management. It's like having a health ally, and making informed decisions for a healthier, happier life.

Disclaimer: Although we have endeavoured to provide accurate information on this page, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from your doctor before relying on any of the test ranges or lab-test recommendations mentioned herein.

Sources

Ref Links: 

  • https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/procalcitonin-test/
  • https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2096589-overview
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5759088/

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Test of value less than Rs.299 will cost Rs 200 extra towards collection charges

FAQ's On PCT Test

Procalcitonin is a biomarker that helps distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. Elevated procalcitonin levels are often indicative of a bacterial infection, while viral infections usually show lower levels. It aids healthcare professionals in determining the appropriate treatment course and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.

Procalcitonin levels can indeed increase rapidly within hours of infection or injury, peak at around 6 hours, and remain elevated for 8 to 24 hours before gradually returning to baseline in 2 to 3 days. However, these timeframes can vary depending on the individual and the specific situation.

High procalcitonin levels are primarily caused by bacterial infections. Conditions such as severe sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial-related infections can elevate procalcitonin. Additionally, non-infectious factors like surgery, trauma, or severe inflammation can also lead to increased procalcitonin levels. It's important to note that procalcitonin is not typically elevated in viral infections.

Key blood tests for sepsis include CBC, procalcitonin, blood culture, lactate, CRP, and coagulation tests. Prompt testing is vital for timely intervention

Yes, procalcitonin can be elevated without an active infection. Non-infectious factors like surgery, trauma, severe inflammation, and certain medical conditions can also cause an increase in procalcitonin levels.

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  • Disclaimer: HealthcareOnTime offers extensively researched information, including laboratory testing for health screening. However, we must emphasize that this content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always prioritize consulting your healthcare provider for accurate medical guidance and personalized treatment. Remember, your health is of paramount importance, and only a qualified medical professional can make precise determinations regarding your well-being.
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