cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a cardio-specific, highly sensitive, marker for myocardial damage. Cardiac troponin T increases approximately 3-4 hours post myocardial infarction (AMI) and may persist up to 2 weeks thereafter. In contrast to ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heavily relies on cardiac troponin result.
Haemolysis invalidates the test.
If sample taken >3hrs after the onset of chest pain,Troponin result (<5ng/L), along with clinical presentation can be used to rule out AMI on initial hsTnT.
If sample taken >6hrs after the onset of chest pain, Upper reference limit <12ng/L along with clinical presentation can be used to rule out AMI on initial hsTnT only.
See 'Diagnosis and management of suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome/Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction'guideline for more information.
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