Critical Care Blood Tests in Chandigarh

For STAT-marked samples, our target turnaround is 60–90 minutes from sample receipt for most core critical care tests (CBC, metabolic panel, coagulation, troponin, PCT). Blood cultures require 24–120 hours for growth depending on organism load, but Gram stain results are typically available within 24 hours of flagging.

We operate a formal critical value protocol aligned with NABL and CAP guidelines. All results outside pre-defined critical thresholds – including Troponin >2 ng/mL, Potassium >6.5 mmol/L, Glucose 5.0 – trigger an immediate phone call to the requesting clinician. Documentation of the notification is maintained in our LIS.

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor of calcitonin that is specifically upregulated in bacterial infections and sepsis. A PCT level below 0.25 μg/L argues strongly against bacterial infection and can support antibiotic withholding. A level above 2.0 μg/L is consistent with systemic bacterial infection or sepsis. Serial PCT measurements are also used to guide antibiotic de-escalation safely.

Serum lactate reflects tissue oxygen debt and anaerobic metabolism. In septic shock, a lactate above 2 mmol/L defines hyperlactataemia and above 4 mmol/L indicates severe shock requiring immediate resuscitation. Serial lactate measurements (lactate clearance) are now a standard target in the Surviving Sepsis Campaign bundle.

Yes. Family members or nursing staff can bring samples to Altus Lab for STAT processing. Please inform our reception that the sample is from an ICU patient requiring urgent processing, and provide the requesting physician's contact number for critical value notification.