Procalcitonin (PCT) is a hormone source of calcitonin. Calcitonin is only produced when the C cells of the thyroid gland are stimulated by hormones, while calcitonin
PCT is secreted by different types of cells in many organs after being stimulated by pro-inflammatory reactions, especially those caused by bacteria.
Clinical data shows that when the concentration of PCT is higher than 0.1 ng/mL, it indicates the presence of clinically relevant bacterial infections that require antibiotic treatment.
When the PCT concentration is greater than 0.5 ng/mL, it is important to consider the risk of the patient developing severe sepsis or septic shock.