Procalcitonin (PCT) CLIA

A Procalcitonin (PCT) test using the Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) method is a vital diagnostic tool used primarily to distinguish between bacterial infections and other inflammatory conditions. It is exceptionally helpful because PCT levels rise rapidly (within 3 to 6 hours) specifically in response to bacterial toxins, while remaining low during viral infections or general inflammation. This allows clinicians to make high-stakes decisions quickly, such as whether to initiate life-saving antibiotics in suspected cases of sepsis or, conversely, to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use in viral respiratory tract infections, thereby reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.