Triage^® Cardiac Panel: Value of Three Marker Panel

Cardiac markers are characterized by cardiospecificity and sensitivity. Attributes of an “ideal” marker include the following:

• Cardio-sensitive–Found in high concentration in the heart
• Cardio-specific–Not found in other tissues, even in trace amounts or under pathological conditions
• Low molecular weight and thus released in early course of acute myocardial infarction

Currently, no marker by itself fulfills the attributes of an ideal marker. However, current studies support a panel of markers approach. Myoglobin, CK-MB and troponin I, when used simultaneously, meet the attributes of an ideal marker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Three recent studies support the use of cardiac markers in combination as a panel approach to diagnose acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, two of the studies independently found a 90-minute decision point to be valuable in determining further testing or treatment. Unfortunately, most current hospital protocols for serial testing begin six to eight hours following the emergency department presentation, thereby precluding effective treatment.

Biosite’s Clinical Consultants can customize multimarker strategies to fit your hospital’s protocols for diagnosing chest pain patients. Please call Technical Service at 1-888-246-7483 ext. 12 for more information.