Troponin Test
3,750 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
cardiac troponin T
Purpose
The Troponin T Test measures troponin T in the blood, a cardiac-specific protein that the heart releases when there’s heart-muscle damage.
Troponin T is a component of the cardiac muscle contractile apparatus. When myocardial cells are injured, such as during a myocardial infarction (heart attack), troponin T is released and remains elevated for up to 10–14 days.
For a full diagnostic picture, the test can be performed alongside Electrocardiogram (ECG), CK‑MB Isoenzyme Test, Myoglobin, B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), and Electrolyte Panel.
Patient Preparation
Patients on biotin supplementation should stop consumption at least 72 hours before sample collection.
Samples
Collect 1 mL with a minimum volume of 0.8 mL of plasma (lithium-heparin), frozen, in a green-top tube. You can use lithium heparin tubes containing separating gel. Separate heparin plasma by centrifugation and transfer to a plastic transport tube. Freeze the sample.
Reference Range
0-0.04ng/ml
Results Turnaround
1-3 days after receipt of samples
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
Troponin T enters the bloodstream when cardiac muscle cells (myocytes) undergo necrosis. Measuring its levels helps identify and manage various cardiac conditions. Some possible outcomes of the test include;
Elevated Troponin T Levels
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): A rapid rise and fall in troponin T confirms acute MI.
- Myocarditis: Ongoing elevation without classic ischemic ECG changes suggests inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Acute Heart Failure: Elevated troponin levels indicate stress or injury to cardiac tissue in severe decompensation.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Right ventricular strain from a large embolus can cause troponin release.
- Arrhythmias: Sustained or severe arrhythmias may injure cardiac myocytes, leading to detectable troponin.
Normal Troponin T Levels
- Suggest the absence of significant cardiac muscle injury at the time of testing.
- In patients with chest pain or dyspnea, normal levels help rule out acute myocardial necrosis, though repeat testing may be required if symptoms persist.
Interpreting troponin results alongside clinical presentation, ECG findings, and imaging studies ensures accurate diagnosis and guides appropriate treatment. For more on the Troponin Test, read this study.