Current Evidence for the Use of High-Sensitivity Troponin Assays in the Emergency Department

This paper will review the published literature on the implementation of high-sensitivity troponin in the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction, with a special focus on accelerated diagnostic protocols used in the emergency department and other acute care settings.

Since the FDA approval of high-sensitivity troponin assays in 2017, US healthcare systems have begun creating accelerated diagnostic protocols for emergency departments. Standardization of the assay can improve patient outcomes and the efficiency of emergency rooms nationwide.

This paper summarizes the historical use of the standard troponin assay and the significance of the high-sensitivity troponin assay as used in acute care settings. Implementation of the high-sensitivity troponin is discussed, demonstrating common assays used, clinical considerations, and previously reported accelerated diagnostic pathways. These aspects are aligned with current guidelines in the use of high-sensitivity troponin to emphasize the need for standardization of use within the US healthcare system.