High-sensitivity cardiac troponin test (hs-cTnT): Introduction, Testing Conditions, Types, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction of Troponin Test

The high-sensitivity cardiac troponin test (hs-cTnT) is the new generation of heart/cardiac enzyme assaying that allows for the detection of very low levels of troponin T, assisting to diagnose heart attacks more quickly. It works on the principle of immunochromatography. It is a simple, rapid, and quick/spot test. If the test is negative, it can also hint “rule out” heart damage from coronary artery disease (CAD).

Testing Conditions of hs-cTnT

• No fasting condition is required.
• It is tested in Laboratory Medicine Section/Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory.

Normal Range of Troponin in Blood

Normal range 0 to 0.04 ng/ml (very low not detectable by Immunochromatographic test device)

Types of Troponin

• Troponin C
• Troponin I
• Troponin T

Clinical Significance of Troponin Test

1. The normal range of cardiac troponin by high-sensitivity cardiac troponin test (hs-cTnT) is 0 to 14 nanograms per liter.
2. If the patient is suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, and other signs of a heart attack/myocardial infarction, it is important to assay physicians/clinicians to rule out the heart attack.

Keynotes on Troponin

1. Troponin is the protein present in cardiac and skeletal muscles which are markers of heart injury. Troponin T (TnT) and troponin I (TnI) both are good markers of heart injury.
2. Most people with a heart attack/myocardial infarction will have a rise in the blood level of cardiac troponin in 3 hours and its level remain high for 7 to 14 days.
3. Along with the troponin test, electrocardiogram (ECG) and other blood tests like myoglobin or CPK isoenzymes are useful markers of heart attack confirmation.
4. Other than heart attack, some pathological conditions which cause elevated Troponin are fast heartbeat, pulmonary hypertension, viral myocarditis, CHF (congestive heart failure), pulmonary embolism, prolonged exercise, heart surgery, Injury to the heart (as in a car crash), cardiomyopathy and chronic kidney disease.