A recent IANZ audit highlighted ambiguity in cardiac marker requests and suggested adoption of standard terminology. Ambiguity in requests can lead to inappropriate tests being performed on patient samples, so from August 2019 we will introduce the following process:
The cardiac marker we use at Pathlab is Troponin I which is a high sensitivity assay. Requests received for (cardiac markers, cardiac enzymes and Troponin T), will result in a Troponin I only being tested
The most useful ‘muscle enzyme’ is Creatine Kinase (CK). This test should be requested in the investigation of non-cardiac related muscle conditions.
In summary, to ensure the most appropriate test is performed, please ask for Troponin I and/or CK specifically