Rapid sepsis test 500210

proteinprocalcitoninPCT

INTENDED USE The StrongStep® Procalcitonin Test is a rapid immune-chromatographic assay for the semi-quantitative detection of Procalcitonin in human serum or plasma. It is used for diagnosing and controlling the treatment of severe, bacterial infection and sepsis. INTRODUCTION Procalcitonin(PCT) is a small protein that comprises 116 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of approximately 13 kDa which was first described by Moullec et al. in 1984. PCT is produced normally in C-cells of the thyroid glands. In 1993, the elevated level of PCT in patients with a system infection of bacterial origin was reported and PCT is now considered to be the main marker of disorders accompanied by systemic inflammation and sepsis. The diagnostic value of PCT is important due to the close correlation between PCT concentration and the severity of inflammation. It was shown that "inflammatory" PCT is not produced in C-cells. Cells of neuroendocrine origin are presumably the source of PCT during inflammation. PRINCIPLE The StrongStep® Procalcitonin Rapid Test detects Procalcitonin through visual interpretation of color development on the internal strip. Procalcitonin monoclonal antibody is immobilized on the test region of the membrane. During testing, the specimen reacts with monoclonal anti-Procalcitonin antibodies conjugated to colored particles and precoated onto the conjugate pad of the test. The mixture then migrates through the membrane by capillary action and interacts with reagents on the membrane. If there are sufficient Procalcitonin in the specimen, a colored band will form at the test region of the membrane.