Parameter Included: 1
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PROLACTIN (PRL) In Patna
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor protein to the hormone calcitonin. It is primarily produced by certain cells in the thyroid gland, as well as in other tissues throughout the body, in response to bacterial infections and systemic inflammation.
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Price : ₹300.00
Reliable, Patna
RDCPAT
: Reliable, Patna
Reliable, Palm View, Patna
RDCPVP
: Reliable, Palm View, Patna
Reliable, Saharsa
RDCSAH
: Reliable, Saharsa
Parameter Included:
1
Sample Collection
Free
Doctor Consultation
Free
Test booked
100+
Report Time
24 Hours
Fasting Time
Test Recommended
Female
Recommended age
5-99 Years
Prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in the blood. The hormone plays a key role in breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and after childbirth. Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers. Higher levels of prolactin in non-pregnant women and men are indicative of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland), liver disease, and hypothyroidism whereas low levels may indicate hypopituitarism. Some birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, or antidepressants can affect the test results.
The procalcitonin test is a blood test used to measure the levels of procalcitonin in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of procalcitonin can be indicative of bacterial infections, particularly severe bacterial infections such as sepsis. In these cases, procalcitonin levels tend to rise significantly.
The procalcitonin test is useful in differentiating between bacterial and viral infections, as viral infections usually do not cause a significant increase in procalcitonin levels. This distinction can be critical in guiding appropriate treatment decisions, such as the use of antibiotics.
Healthcare professionals may order the procalcitonin test in cases where there is a suspicion of severe bacterial infection or sepsis. It may also be used to monitor the response to treatment and guide the duration of antibiotic therapy.
It is important to interpret procalcitonin test results in conjunction with other clinical findings and patient history, as elevated levels can also occur in non-infectious inflammatory conditions and other illnesses.
Overall, procalcitonin is a valuable marker for bacterial infections and systemic inflammation. The procalcitonin test helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about the appropriate use of antibiotics and monitor the response to treatment. However, the test should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition.
