Calcitonin Normal Values
May 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
The normal reference range for procalcitonin primarily depends on the immunoassay method used. When colloidal gold colorimetric assay is employed, the normal value is <0.5 ng/mL. When chemiluminescent immunoassay is used, the normal upper limit is <0.1 ng/mL. With radioimmunoassay, the detection sensitivity can reach 4 pg/mL.
Procalcitonin (PCT) is currently a widely used biomarker for diagnosing bacterial infections. It exhibits a relatively rapid response and high sensitivity, though it is primarily utilized in febrile patients. So, what constitutes the normal reference range for procalcitonin?
What is the normal reference range for procalcitonin?
The normal reference range for procalcitonin largely depends on the immunoassay method employed. When using colloidal gold colorimetric assay, the normal value is <0.5 ng/mL. With chemiluminescent immunoassay, the lower limit of normal is <0.1 pg/mL. In contrast, radioimmunoassay offers a detection sensitivity of up to 4 pg/mL.
Procalcitonin is a protein whose plasma concentration increases significantly in the presence of severe infections—including bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections—as well as in sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Notably, procalcitonin levels typically remain unchanged in autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, or viral infections, and do not rise in cases of localized infection, mild infection, or chronic inflammation. Thus, PCT serves as a highly valuable tool in clinical diagnosis and assessment of infection severity.
A PCT level exceeding 0.5 ng/mL often suggests bacterial infection; levels above 2.0 ng/mL raise concern for severe infection or sepsis; and values above 5.0 ng/mL warrant heightened vigilance for septicemia or even septic shock. Please pay close attention to these thresholds in clinical practice. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
