A procalcitonin The test will determine the level of procalcitonin In your blood. Usually the level is quite low of procalcitonin in your blood. However, if there is a causative bacterial infection, cells will appear in multiple parts of your body. procalcitonin In your bloodstream. Elevated levels of procalcitonin in your blood may be symptoms of a less serious infection or sepsis.
Sepsis (also called sepsis) is an extreme reaction of the immune system to an infection, usually caused by bacteria. Sepsis occurs when an already existing infection spreads into the bloodstream and sets off a chain reaction throughout the body trunk. This causes inflammation and blood clots. Without rapid healing, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Infections that cause sepsis usually begin in the urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal system, where they are less severe. A procalcitonin This test helps the health care provider determine if sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection or if the patient is at high risk for sepsis. This allows for prompt access to appropriate treatment before the situation worsens.
Also known as: PCT Test
What is it used for?
A procalcitonin This test is usually used when a physician determines that a patient is seriously ill and may have a systemic infection (an infection that affects the entire body). The test helps to determine if bacteria or germs are causing the infection. For example, a procalcitonin This test can help distinguish between bacterial and viral pneumonia. This is important because medications are effective for bacterial infections but not for viral infections.
This test can be used to
- Diagnose or rule out bacterial infections and/or sepsis.
- Find out how serious septic infections can be.
- Determine the treatment options.
- Find out how well the treatment is working
- Diagnose kidney infections in children with urinary tract infections.
This test is usually used in the clinic for critically ill patients who come to the emergency room or are already admitted to the clinic.
Why do I need a procalcitonin test?
Signs of sepsis or a serious bacterial infection that may develop into sepsis may require this test. Signs of sepsis include
- Fever or chills
- Gooey or sweaty skin
- Confusion
- Extreme pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
Medical support is essential for sepsis. If you or a loved one has an infection that does not improve or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
What happens during a procalcitonin test?
The physician takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
No special preparation for testing is required. a procalcitonin test.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
There are considerable risks associated with blood testing. The area where the needle is inserted can be slightly sore and bruised, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
High procalcitonin The value means what you are:
- You probably have sepsis
- You are probably at high risk for sepsis and septic shock, a life-threatening condition in which organs do not get enough blood to function properly.
- The possibility of having a serious systemic bacterial infection increases the risk of sepsis.
The higher your procalcitonin The higher the level, the greater the risk of sepsis and septic shock.
Mild to non-vigorous highest level. of procalcitonin may be sign of:
- Earlier stages of systemic bacterial infection
- Renal infection, children only
- Situations marked by infection, such as trauma, severe burns, recent surgery, tissue damage from a difficult heart attack.
Mild high level. of procalcitonin Means that you are unlikely to develop centchemia, but it can be a symptom:
- Local bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection.
- Infection with another cause, such as a virus.
- Systemic bacterial infection that starts.
If you are being treated for a bacterial infection, it may be a shortened or low procalcitonin level means you will work.
Is there anything else I should know? a procalcitonin test?
A procalcitonin This test does not tell you which bacteria cause the infection. Your doctor will probably order other tests to make a final diagnosis. However. a procalcitonin this test provides enough information about your risk of sepsis so that treatment can be started before it is needed and more serious illness can be prevented.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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