Procalcitonin

Normal range < 0.10 (bacterial infection unlikely) ng/mL (< 0.10 µg/L SI). Specimen: Serum or plasma.

Also known as: PCT.

< 0.10 (bacterial infection unlikely) ng/mLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

Specimen	Serum or plasma
Conventional range	< 0.10 (bacterial infection unlikely) ng/mL
SI range	< 0.10 µg/L
Conversion factor	×1 (conventional → SI)
Panel	Inflammatory & Other Chemistry

Convert any Procalcitonin result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Procalcitonin?

The standard teaching reference range for Procalcitonin is < 0.10 (bacterial infection unlikely) ng/mL in conventional units, or < 0.10 µg/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum or plasma.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population — always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

Common causes of a high Procalcitonin

Bacterial sepsis
Severe bacterial infection
Major trauma or burns

Below the range

Common causes of a low Procalcitonin

Viral infection (typically stays low)

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

Helps distinguish bacterial from viral infection and can guide antibiotic decisions.

Study aid

Your notes on Procalcitonin

Your notes

Same panel

More Inflammatory & Other Chemistry tests

Amylase30–110 U/L C-Reactive Protein (CRP)< 1.0 (varies) mg/dL Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)≤ 20 (age/sex-dependent) mm/hr Folate (Folic Acid)3–17 ng/mL Lactate (Lactic Acid)0.5–2.2 mmol/L Lipase0–160 U/L