Yes, Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker.
PCT is a particularly useful biomarker for distinguishing bacterial infections from other causes of inflammation. When compared to other common markers like lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count, PCT exhibits higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying bacterial infections. This makes it a valuable tool in clinical settings.
Essentially, PCT levels rise significantly in response to bacterial infections, offering a reliable indication of their presence. Its ability to differentiate bacterial infections from other inflammatory conditions makes it a preferred biomarker in various medical contexts.