BRAHMS GmbH provides a variety of assays for PCT determination.

Today a rapid, semi-quantitative assay is available together with four different  immunoassays for quantitative determination of PCT concentrations. All PCT determinations can be measured in either serum or plasma. Results available 19 minutes to 2.5 hours - depending on the choice of method used. Choice of assay depends on intended clinical use (Figure 10).

Please contact BRAHMS customer service if you have questions regarding the apropriate assay technology for your clinical setting.

Figure 10: Application of available PCT assays for various clinical settings 
                (adapted from Christ-Crain & Müller (2005)

Cut-offs for clinical decision making (e.g. decision on prescription and duration of AB therapy) depend on the clinical setting. E.g., for patients with COPD and suspicion of infection antibiotics would be prescribed already at a lower PCT value compared to a trauma patient without concomitant disease.

Decision to prescribe or withhold antibiotics should be re-assessed within the (second) 6-24 hours based on the patients clinical picture and PCT level. These values should also be considered in the clinical decision making process regarding the duration of antibiotic therapy as well as consideration of the clinical course of the disease.