A value of 0.04 ng/mL is the 99th percentile value for a healthy population.
Clinical Interpretation
The 99th percentile concentration for the Beckman High Sensitivity Troponin assay is 0.03 ng/mL. According to current consensus guidelines (Newby 2012), troponin results that exceed the 99th percentile concentration are strongly suggestive of cardiac injury, which can be from many causes (see below for examples). For troponin concentrations 0.40 ng/mL and higher, the underlying cardiac injury is usually a myocardial infarction. Troponin concentrations of 0.04-0.39 ng/mL require serial troponin measurements and clinical correlation to interpret, as further described in the guidelines. Note that a more precise assay was implemented on Dec 1, 2019.
Partial list of non-ischemic causes of elevated troponin (myocardial damage)
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Use of Troponin (Adapted from Newby 2012, Table 3)
What does an elevated troponin level mean?
When should a troponin level be obtained?
What is the prognostic significance of an elevated troponin level?
Code | Name |
---|---|
TROPI | Troponin_I |
TROPIN | Troponin_I Interpretation |
Chemiluminescence, Automated Chemistry
Concentration (ng/mL) | Interpretation |
< 0.04 | Normal |
0.04 - 0.39 | Elevated above the 99th percentile of a healthy population. |
HMC, UW-MT, and UW-NW Onsite Locations & FHCC
Preferred: 4 mL blood in LIME GREEN PST tube
Also Acceptable: 4 mL blood in ORANGE RST, GOLD SST, *RED TOP tube, or *GREEN TOP tube
*If serum or plasma are separated from cells within 2 hours of collection.
If collecting in microtainer tubes, 2 full microtainer tubes are required
Unacceptable: Single microtainer tube
Pediatric: Two Full GOLD MICROTAINERS
The Laboratory MUST receive and process specimen within 2 hours of blood collection.
UW-MT and HMC: Deliver to the Automation Line for immediate testing. If QNS for automation line, centrifuge and deliver to the DxI testing bench.
UW-NW: Centrifuge and deliver to the Chemistry bench.
Note: No add-ons to a specimen that has been stored at room temperature or at 2-8°C for more than 24 hours. Separate serum or plasma from red cells within 2 hours of collection, store at 2-8°C; >24 hrs, freeze serum or plasma at -20°C. Thaw sample only once and recentrifuge prior to testing.
HMC |
Chemistry, Automated
206-520-4600 325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420 |
|
---|---|---|
UW-NW |
Main Lab
206-668-1344 UW Medical Center – Northwest |
|
FHCC |
Fred Hutch Alliance Lab
206-606-1088 825 Eastlake Ave, Seattle, WA 98109 |
|
UW-MT |
Chemistry, Automated
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room NW220, |