This assay is used for the quantitative determination of Procalcitonin (PCT) in human serum and plasma. PCT is a 116-amino acid prohormone with a molecular weight of approximately 12.7 kDa, normally present at low levels in healthy individuals. It is produced by neuroendocrine cells in the thyroid, lungs, and pancreas and increases significantly in response to bacterial infections and sepsis. In septic patients, PCT is secreted in a slightly modified form and serves as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing bacterial sepsis, assessing its severity, and predicting outcomes. It is also useful in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis and guiding antibiotic therapy decisions in respiratory infections and pneumonia, as well as monitoring treatment effectiveness.
