Elecsys® BRAHMS Procalcitonin:
A powerful signal for antibiotic starts and stops
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Learn how PCT testing has helped reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and cost of care.
The Elecsys BRAHMS PCT assay gives you:
A clear signal for
antibiotic starts and stops
As many as 71% of patients with acute respiratory tract infections are treated with antibiotics, despite a mainly viral cause for these infections.5
Elecsys BRAHMS PCT aids clinicians in antibiotic decision-making in patients with sepsis and lower respiratory tract infections.
PCT results are a highly effective tool for antibiotic stewardship, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged is a key tool to use for combating antibiotic resistance.6
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Elecsys BRAHMS PCT
Elecsys BRAHMS PCT Claims
Used in conjunction with other laboratory findings and clinical assessments, the Elecsys BRAHMS PCT assay is intended for use as a tool in:
Managing critically ill patients:
- Aid in risk assessment of critically ill patients on their first day of ICU admission for progression to sepsis and septic shock.
- Aid in assessing the cumulative 28-day risk of all-cause mortality for patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock in the ICU or when obtained in the emergency department or other medical wards prior to ICU admission, using a change in PCT level over time.
Antibiotic initiation and de-escalation:
- Aid in decision-making on antibiotic therapy for patients with suspected or confirmed lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) — defined as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute bronchitis and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aeCOPD) — in an inpatient setting or an emergency department.
- Aid in decision-making on antibiotic discontinuation for patients with suspected or confirmed sepsis.
A clear signal when managing critically ill patients with sepsis
As a sensitive and specific biomarker of the inflammatory response to bacterial infection, Elecsys BRAHMS PCT aids clinicians in determining a patient’s risk of progression to sepsis and septic shock.
Rising PCT concentrations indicate a rapid and sustained response to bacterial infection.7
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PCT kinetics
Understanding PCT Kinetics
When a bacterial infection occurs, toll-like receptors flag the presence of microbial toxins. Inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL6), are simultaneously secreted from the cell. Signaling pathways then stimulate PCT transcription, typically over three to six hours.8, 9
If the pathogen is not contained, infection spreads and the body up-regulates pro-inflammatory mediators, causing a dramatic increase in serum PCT for another 12 to 24 hours.10
It can take nearly 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy to see reduction in serum PCT levels as the bacterial infection is controlled, which will be reflected in a decrease in PCT production and serum concentrations by up to 50% per day. However, if initial antibiotic therapy or source control is not adequate, bacteria will continue to stimulate PCT production and blood concentrations will remain high.11
During viral infections, PCT production is lessened by Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) that is released during the host response to the virus.11 Thus, PCT concentration will not rise in viral infections as it does in the presence of a bacterial infection.
The utility of PCT as a tool for assessing the risk of bacterial infection stems from its unique kinetics, triggered from the inflammatory response to a bacterial infection.
Lead your institution in the battle against
sepsis and antibiotic-resistant bacteria with
the Elecsys BRAHMS PCT.
sepsis and antibiotic-resistant bacteria with
the Elecsys BRAHMS PCT.
Leaders in raising sepsis awareness.
Roche Diagnostics is committed to leading the fight against sepsis. With its partner, the Rory Staunton Foundation, Roche has committed resources to advance the understanding of sepsis and encourage awareness, assessment and prevention.
Up to 80% of sepsis deaths can be prevented with rapid diagnosis and optimal treatment.12 Through our Fly to Fight Sepsis campaign, we strive to ensure no one dies needlessly from this preventable and treatable condition.