What are the Clinical Applications of Procalcitonin?
Procalcitonin is used in various clinical scenarios: - Sepsis Diagnosis: Elevated procalcitonin levels can indicate sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by a severe infection. - Antibiotic Stewardship: By distinguishing bacterial from viral infections, procalcitonin helps in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. - Monitoring Treatment: Procalcitonin levels can be monitored to assess the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, aiding in the timely adjustment of treatment plans.