What is Procalcitonin? Procalcitonin (PCT) is a peptide precursor of calcitonin, produced primarily by thyroid C-cells under normal conditions but by various tissues during bacterial infections. It is a highly specific biomarker for bacterial sepsis and severe infections, helping differentiate bacterial from viral infections and guiding antibiotic therapy. Measuring PCT levels in blood is used to assess infection severity, monitor treatment response, and stratify risk in critical care settings.
Definition: The Procalcitonin Unit Converter converts PCT concentrations between various units, enabling standardization of laboratory results for clinical use.
Purpose: It assists clinicians and researchers in interpreting PCT levels across different measurement units (e.g., µg/L to ng/mL), ensuring accurate diagnosis and management of bacterial infections.
Converting PCT concentrations between units is critical for:
Elevated Levels: High PCT levels are strongly associated with bacterial infections, particularly sepsis, severe pneumonia, or meningitis. Levels correlate with infection severity:
Normal Levels: Normal PCT levels in healthy individuals are very low, often undetectable or minimally detectable, indicating no significant bacterial infection.
Normal Ranges:
Interferences:
Q: Why are there different units for procalcitonin?
A: Different units reflect varying standards; µg/L is the SI unit, while ng/mL is commonly used in clinical practice, particularly in critical care settings.
Q: What is a normal procalcitonin level?
A: Normal PCT is typically < 0.05 ng/mL (< 0.05 µg/L) in healthy adults. Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation.
Q: Can this converter be used for other infection biomarkers?
A: No, this converter is specific to procalcitonin; other biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive protein, lactate) have different units and conversion factors—consult a healthcare provider for accuracy.