Table 1 PCT algorithm recommended in internal meetings at the PCT introduction

 PCT < 0.5 μg/

Antibiotics should be considered withdrawn

 PCT ≥ 0.5 μg/L

In patients who have improved clinically, subsequent PCT analyses are recommended on days 3 and 5.

A decrease of 80% of the initial value suggests that antibiotics are no longer needed.

 PCT < 0.1 μg/L:

Strongly encourage against the continuation of antibiotics

 PCT < 0.25 μg/L:

Encourage against the continuation of antibiotics

 PCT 0.25–0.5 μg/L:

Recommendation for continuing antibiotics

 PCT > 0.5 μg/L:

Strong recommendation for continuing antibiotics