Procalcitonin near me in Ranchi
Understanding Procalcitonin in Ranchi
What is Procalcitonin in Ranchi?
Available at an affordable price in Ranchi with Tata 1mg Labs, a Procalcitonin test measures the level of procalcitonin (PCT), a type of protein that the body produces in response to bacterial infections. This test helps distinguish between bacterial and viral infections, as procalcitonin levels tend to rise rapidly in response to bacterial infections but typically remain low in viral infections. Thus, getting tested offers valuable insights into the nature of the infection, allowing doctors to formulate more effective and targeted treatment decisions.
A procalcitonin test is often conducted when there are symptoms suggestive of a severe bacterial infection or sepsis, such as fever, chills and shivering, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, confusion, etc. Furthermore, this test is commonly used in hospital settings, especially in emergency rooms or for people already admitted, the test helps determine whether bacteria or viruses are behind an infection. Fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink as per your normal routine.
What does Procalcitonin measure?
A Procalcitonin test is useful for early detection of sepsis and severe bacterial infections. PCT serves as a crucial indicator, rising around 3 hours after exposure to a proinflammatory stimulus or bacterial infection and peaking after 6 to 8 hours. This helps distinguish bacterial infections from other causes, facilitating the diagnosis and effective management of various infectious diseases.