LAB TEST
Troponin test
A troponin test measures the levels of troponin T or troponin I proteins in the blood. These proteins are released when the heart muscle has been damaged, such as occurs with a heart attack. The more damage there is to the heart, the greater the amount of troponin T and I there will be in the blood.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special steps are needed to prepare, most of the time.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.
Why the Test is Performed
The most common reason to perform this test is to see if a heart attack has occurred. Your health care provider will order this test if you have chest pain or other signs of a heart attack. The test is usually repeated two more times over the next 6 to 24 hours. Your provider may also order this test if you have…
Normal Results
Cardiac troponin levels are normally so low they cannot be detected with most blood tests. Having normal troponin levels 12 hours after chest pain has started means a heart attack is unlikely. A normal value range may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements (for example, "high…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Even a slight increase in the troponin level will often mean there has been some damage to the heart. Very high levels of troponin are a sign that a heart attack has occurred. Most patients who have had a heart attack have increased troponin levels within 6 hours. After 12 hours, almost everyone who has had a heart…
References
Bohula EA, Morrow DA. ST-Elevation myocardial infarction: management. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 38. Bonaca MP, Sabatine MS. Approach to the patient with chest…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 23/10/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.