CPT® Code 84145

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker that plays a crucial role in the early detection and therapeutic monitoring of bacterial infections and sepsis. It is a peptide that is produced by various tissues in response to bacterial toxins and inflammatory cytokines. The presence of elevated levels of procalcitonin in the blood serum serves as a specific indicator of both the existence and the severity of a bacterial infection or sepsis. This test is particularly valuable in clinical settings as it aids healthcare providers in distinguishing between bacterial infections and viral infections or other forms of nonbacterial inflammation. The process of obtaining a blood sample for this test is performed through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The measurement of procalcitonin levels is conducted using immunofluorescence techniques, which allow for accurate determination of serum concentrations of this important marker.