Procalcitonin: PCT as a Biomarker for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Learn about the clinical properties of procalcitonin, and discover its benefits in diagnostics and antimicrobial stewardship.
1,611 enrolled on this course
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
1 hour100% online
How it works
Procalcitonin: PCT as a Biomarker for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Explore the various uses and benefits of PCT within the medical field
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a crucial biomarker in clinical diagnostics. Its wide usage in diagnosing infections and sepsis saves lives every day. Discover its various usage, benefits, and even its limitations on this course, that connects procalcitonin to antimicrobial stewardship.
Discover the benefits of procalcitonin in the ICU
Even in some of the most challenging areas of the medical field, PCT is used every day. Discover the benefits of procalcitonin in and out of ICU.
Learn about the connection between procalcitonin and COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed the world. This course will explore the benefits of using procalcitonin with COVID patients, to bring you a modern and up-to-date education.
What are the limitations and controversies of procalcitonin?
This course also addresses the controversies and limitations associated with procalcitonin. Discover the other side of this biomarker, not just its benefits. After this course, you’ll be familiar with how it should be used in your practice.
Learn why procalcitonin is crucial in antimicrobial stewardship
This course will let you learn about the connection between procalcitonin and antimicrobial stewardship. Find out how PCT can benefit AMS practices and ensure antimicrobials are used appropriately to avoid antimicrobial resistance.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to Procalcitonin and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Welcome to the course
Introduction to the course and educators, and an opportunity to introduce yourself to other learners.
Introducing Procalcitonin
An introduction to diagnostics tools, in particular procalcitonin.
Antimicrobial Stewardship
An introduction to antimicrobial stewardship and how it is relevant to the use of procalcitonin.
End of week 1
End of week quiz to test your knowledge and a summary of topics covered in week 1.
Week 2
Procalcitonin use in clinical settings
Using Procalcitonin in Intensive Care
This activity looks at the use of PCT in the ICU setting, particularly in sepsis patients and reviews a relevant case study.
Using Procalcitonin outside of Intensive Care
Looking at a second case study, this activity will review the use of PCT outside of the ICU.
End of week 2
End of week quiz to test your knowledge and a summary of topics covered in week 2.
Week 3
Challenging situations and Procalcitonin use
Procalcitonin and COVID-19
This activity looks at the recent COVID-19 pandemic and how PCT has been a useful diagnostic tool during this time.
Addressing the controversies and limitations of Procalcitonin
The barriers, controversies and limitations of PCT are discussed in this activity.
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Procalcitonin
This final activity summarises the role PCT can play in antimicrobial stewardship and how you can begin to use it in your practice.
End of course
Congratulations, you have completed the course! Test your knowledge with an end of week quiz and a summary of the topics covered in the course.
Who is this accredited by?
The RCPath is a professional membership organisation with charitable status, concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology. This course has been approved by The Royal College of Pathologists at a level of 3 credits.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explain what biomarkers and procalcitonin are
- Summarise the use of procalcitonin in sepsis, the ICU, and outside the ICU
- Describe the benefits of using procalcitonin in COVID-19 cases
- Demonstrate an understanding of how procalcitonin use can benefit antimicrobial stewardship
- Discuss the benefits and limitations of procalcitonin and assess how it should be used in your practice
Who is the course for?
The course is aimed at clinicians who want to know more about diagnostics and the uses of procalcitonin within the medical field.
Health care professionals, laboratory workers, and researchers will also find useful information here about PCT as a biomarker.
Who will you learn with?
Consultant clinical microbiologist, passionate about infection prevention & control, antibiotic stewardship and management of bone and joint infections.
I have been a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon since 2003 providing care to both elective and emergency patients. I have a passion for improving patient outcomes, particularly those suffering with sepsis
Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Aneurin Bevan UHB
Honorary Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, Cardiff University
Interested in sepsis, biomarkers and long-term outcomes
Who developed the course?
BSAC
Founded in 1971, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy is committed to addressing the growing threat of drug resistant infections around the world.
Endorsers and supporters
funded by
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Limited access |
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| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $109/one-off payment | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | Free |
| Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Sample the course materials | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 17 May 2024 |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 17 May 2024
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
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- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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