The challenge
Fever is often the only symptom for an ongoing infection in infants and young children. In children with fever it is sometimes difficult to assess correctly the source, type and severity of the infection. This often results in an over-prescription of antibiotics, with all the potential consequences of resistance development.
In that situation biomarkers are a useful tool for early diagnosis as they are easy to measure and rapidly available for immediate clinical decision-making.
The solution
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a reliable blood parameter that supports earlier and better diagnosis and clinical decision-making for systemic bacterial infections and therapy control.
This enables a more judicious use of empiric antibiotics and reduction of antibiotic exposure.
Vitros® B•R•A•H•M•S PCT:
- Available on lab-based Vitros® Platforms
- Fast increase after bacterial infection within 3-6 hours (faster than CRP)
- High sensitivity and specificity for bacterial infection, improving clinical diagnosis
- Recommended for antibiotic stewardship by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guideline
- The Experts of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) agreed to include PCT for neonatal and pediatric sepsis diagnosis.
