Changes to High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Reporting

17 July 2020

In conjunction with the cardiology teams and Emergency Departments within the local health networks, SA Pathology will change troponin reporting limits from 17 August 2020 to facilitate improved patient management and health outcomes.

Troponin reference ranges: 

        Male      <17 ng/L

        Female <13 ng/L

Additionally, SA Pathology will routinely report on troponin levels from 3ng/L upwards, which will allow the monitoring of changes over time in patients. The ability to monitor changes will allow more accurate detection of acute coronary syndrome.

Interpretative comments will be supplied on pathology reports at troponin levels which will indicate key decision points in the patient’s treatment journey. A copy of these key decision points and accompanying comments is attached.

Please be aware that due to the emergency nature of acute coronary syndrome it is required that repeat testing occur within 1-3 hours, if ANY result is detected. It is strongly recommended that if a patient present with chest pain, that they are referred immediately to an Emergency Department.

Regards,

Dr Tom Dodd
Clinical Service Director