Procalcitonin — a potentially very useful diagnostic test

[PhilC]

I recently learned about a new diagnostic test (procalcitonin) that seems like it could be very, very useful. I’m not sure how long the test has been around, but I’m calling it “new” because I’ve never seen it mentioned on here before (except by myself).

Here are some relevant highlights:

“Procalcitonin (PCT) is a 116 amino acid precursor
of calcitonin which under normal circumstances is
produced by the thyroid C-cells. Serum
concentrations of PCT are normally <0.05 ng/mL but
in circumstances of systemic inflammation,
particularly bacterial infection, PCT is produced
in large quantities by many body tissues.”

“PCT has some advantages other biomarkers in
common clinical use such as C – reactive protein
(CRP) and white blood cell count. The advantages
of PCT over older markers include: specificity for
bacterial infection (versus inflammation in
general), the rapidity of its rise after an insult
(6 hours), the rapid decline with immune control
on infection (half-life of 24 hours), excellent
correlation with severity of illness (higher
levels in more severely ill), and the lack of
impact of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive
states on production.”

Source:

Procalcitonin (PCT) Guidance
https://www.unmc.edu/intmed/divisions/id/asp/procal.html

Phil

"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
- Albert Einstein

[Linda L]

So interesting but when our doctors will learn about it? Recently I asked a GP to add CCP test to my referral and he asked me what it is.

RA tried everything: Methotraxate, Arava, Humira. Pneumonia three times. Anemia. Very low iron. Hypothyroidism
AP from April 2014 till August 2015. No luck.
Current medications: Natural thyroid, Mobic, supplements,
vitamins and minerals.
MTHFR heterozygous

[worldofme]

Your GP may not know but your rheum does for sure.

[Author]

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