Function of procalcitonin assay kit

The functions of the procalcitonin assay kit are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1、 Early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of bacterial infections

Early diagnosis: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a sensitive indicator for early differential diagnosis of severe bacterial infections and sepsis. When bacterial infections occur in the human body, PCT levels rapidly increase and their concentration is positively correlated with the severity of the infection. Therefore, the procalcitonin assay kit can assist clinical doctors in quickly and accurately determining the presence of bacterial infection in the early stages of infection.

Differential diagnosis: PCT can also be used to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. Due to the fact that PCT levels usually do not increase or only slightly increase during viral infections, PCT testing helps clinicians distinguish between these two different types of infections and take more targeted treatment measures.

2、 Guide the use of antibiotics

Starting to use antibiotics: After confirming bacterial infection, the results of the procalcitonin assay kit can be used as a decision-making basis for starting to use antibiotics. By monitoring changes in PCT levels, doctors can determine the severity and progression of infection, and thus decide whether to initiate antibiotic treatment.

Stop using antibiotics: Changes in PCT levels during treatment can also be used to guide the discontinuation of antibiotics. When PCT levels gradually decrease and return to normal range, it usually means that the infection has been controlled, and antibiotics can be considered discontinued to avoid unnecessary drug exposure and potential side effects.

3、 Disease monitoring and prognostic evaluation

Disease monitoring: For patients with confirmed bacterial infections, continuous monitoring of PCT levels can reflect the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. The sustained increase in PCT levels may indicate that the infection has not been effectively controlled or there are other complications present; The gradual decrease in PCT levels indicates that the treatment is effective and the condition is improving.

Prognostic assessment: PCT can also serve as a prognostic indicator for certain serious diseases. For example, in sepsis patients, the level of PCT is closely related to the patient's prognosis. High PCT levels often indicate poor prognosis and higher mortality rates.

4、 Other applications

Community acquired respiratory infections and air conditioning induced pneumonia: In these diseases, PCT testing can serve as an important indicator for antibiotic selection and efficacy assessment. By monitoring changes in PCT levels, doctors can adjust treatment plans more accurately and improve treatment outcomes.

Acute severe pancreatitis and its complications: PCT is also a reliable indicator of acute severe pancreatitis and its major complications. Through PCT testing, doctors can assess the severity of a patient's condition and the risk of prognosis, in order to develop more reasonable treatment plans.

In summary, the procalcitonin assay kit has wide application value in early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, antibiotic use guidance, disease monitoring, and prognosis evaluation of bacterial infections. Meanwhile, with the continuous advancement of medical technology and the deepening of clinical research, the application prospects of PCT determination in more fields will also continue to expand.