Clinical significance of detection of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in intensive care unit

Objective To discuss the clinical significance of examination of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods Sixty-seven patients in intensive care unit (ICU) from February, 2008 to August, 2010 were selected for this study. The venous blood (3 ml) on empty stomach was collected, centrifuged (3 000 r/min), and separated for further use. The levels of PCT and CRP were detected and analyzed for their clinical significance in bacterial infection. Results The levels of PCT and CRP showed significant difference between the general infection group and serious infection group, but difference in PCT was more pronounced than that in CRP. The T values were 3.347 5 and 2.929 1, with P0.01. Conclusion Levels of PCT and CRP both have great significance in the diagnosis of bacterial infection, but PCT is preferred, with higher specificity and sensitivity.