Cardiac Marker Testing Research Articles

Paper-Based All-in-One Origami Nanobiosensor for Point-of-Care Detection of Cardiac Protein Markers in Whole Blood.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) at the earliest stage is of paramount importance to improve the treatment outcomes and avoid irreversible damage to a patient's cardiovascular system. Microfluidic paper-based devices (μPADs) represent a promising platform for rapid CVD diagnosis at the point of care (POC). This paper presents an electrochemical μPAD (E-μPAD) with an all-in-one origami design for rapid and POC testing of cardiac protein markers in whole blood. Based on the label-free, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) immunoassay, the E-μPAD integrates all essential components on a single chip, including three electrochemical cells, a plasma separation membrane, and a buffer absorption pad, enabling easy and streamlined operations for multiplexed detection of three cardiac protein markers [cardiac troponin I (cTnI), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-32, and D-Dimer] on a finger-prick whole blood sample within 46 min. Superior analytical performance is achieved through sensitive EIS measurement on carbon electrodes decorated with semiconductor zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs). Using spiked human plasma samples, ultralow limits of detection (LODs) of E-μPAD are achieved at 4.6 pg/mL (190 fM) for cTnI, 1.2 pg/mL (40 fM) for BNP-32, and 146 pg/mL (730 fM) for D-Dimer. Real human blood samples spiked with purified proteins are also tested, and the device's analytical performance was proven to be comparable to commercial ELISA kits. The all-in-one E-μPAD will allow rapid and sensitive testing of cardiac protein markers through easy operations, which holds great potential for on-site screening of acute CVDs in nonlaboratory settings such as emergency rooms, doctor's offices, or patient homes.

Prophylactic Evidence of MSCs-Derived Exosomes in Doxorubicin/Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Beyond Mechanistic Target of NRG-1/Erb Signaling Pathway

Trastuzumab (Trz) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; ErbB2). The combined administration of Trz and doxorubicin (DOX) has shown potent anti-cancer efficacy; however, this regimen may be accompanied by severe cardiac toxicity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes are nanosized vesicles that play a crucial role in cell–cell communication and have shown efficacy in the treatment of various diseases. In this study, we aim to investigate the cardioprotective effects of MSCs-derived exosomes in a DOX/Trz- mediated cardiotoxicity model, and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects are elucidated. Forty-nine male rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Group I (control); Group II (Dox/Trz); Group III (protective group); and Group IV (curative group). Cardiac hemodynamic parameters, serum markers of cardiac injury, oxidative stress indices, and cardiac histopathology were investigated. Further, transcript profile of specific cardiac tissue injury markers, apoptotic markers, and fibrotic markers were analyzed using qRT-PCR, while the protein expressions of pAkt/Akt, pERK/ERK, pJNK/JNK, pJNK/JNK, and pSTAT3/STAT3 were evaluated by ELISA. Additionally, cardiac mirR-21 and miR-26a were assessed. A combined administration of DOX/Trz disrupted redox and Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiac tissue induced myocardial fibrosis and myofibril loss and triggered cardiac DNA damage and apoptosis. This cardiotoxicity was accompanied by decreased NRG-1 mRNA expression, HER2 protein expression, and suppressed AKT and ERK phosphorylation, while triggering JNK phosphorylation. Histological and ultra-structural examination of cardiac specimens revealed features typical of cardiac tissue injury. Moreover, a significant decline in cardiac function was observed through biochemical testing of serum cardiac markers and echocardiography. In contrast, the intraperitoneal administration of MSCs-derived exosomes alleviated cardiac injury in both protective and curative protocols; however, superior effects were observed in the protective protocol. The results of the current study indicate the ability of MSCs-derived exosomes to protect from and attenuate DOX/Trz-induced cardiotoxicity. The NRG-1/HER2, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, PJNK/JNK, and PSTAT/STAT signaling pathways play roles in mediating these effects.

Report of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service on Cardiac Marker Testing (2016-2020)

Report of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service on Cardiac Marker Testing (2016-2020)

C61. Managing Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rural Area: A Case Report

Abstract Background COPD is one of the comorbidities in heart failure patients with a prevalence of around 10-41%. The mortality and morbidity increase in patients with concomitant HF and COPD. Case Description A-54-year-old man, smoker, complained dyspnea that worsen for 48 hours, orthopnea, worsening productive cough with thick phlegm for 1 week, diaphoresis, and fatigue. History of untreated COPD since 2014, dyslipidemia, heart attack, and hypertension since 2018. Examination: Obesity, HR 54x/min, RR 30 x/min, BP 140/90 mmHg, SpO2 96% on O2 4 lpm. JVP was increased, gallops, bilateral crackles, wheezing, and pre-tibial edema. WBC count was 15.000, Inferior OMI and LVH on ECG. Signs of pulmonary congestion, cardiomegaly, and increased Broncho-vascular pattern on chest X-ray. Echocardiography and cardiac marker testing were unavailable. The patient was diagnosed with ADHF and AECOPD. The patient was initially given furosemide IV, ramipril, spironolactone but didn’t improve. SABA-anticholinergic nebulization was added then and improved the symptoms. These medications were continued and added corticosteroid IV, antibiotics, aspirin in inward room. After 5 days of treatment, the patient improved, considered as outpatient and advised to control after 3 days. Discussion In the limited setting, manages patients with heart disease is challenging. History of untreated COPD, heart attack, hypertension, and dyslipidemia led the patient to this condition. There was no consensus in managing HF in the COPD population. Clinical consideration based on the dominant patient condition was suggested by some studies. This patient had significant improvement after combining diuretic, nebulization, and corticosteroid.

C61. Managing Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rural Area: A Case Report

Abstract Background COPD is one of the comorbidities in heart failure patients with a prevalence of around 10-41%. The mortality and morbidity increase in patients with concomitant HF and COPD. Case Description A-54-year-old man, smoker, complained dyspnea that worsen for 48 hours, orthopnea, worsening productive cough with thick phlegm for 1 week, diaphoresis, and fatigue. History of untreated COPD since 2014, dyslipidemia, heart attack, and hypertension since 2018. Examination: Obesity, HR 54x/min, RR 30 x/min, BP 140/90 mmHg, SpO2 96% on O2 4 lpm. JVP was increased, gallops, bilateral crackles, wheezing, and pre-tibial edema. WBC count was 15.000, Inferior OMI and LVH on ECG. Signs of pulmonary congestion, cardiomegaly, and increased Broncho-vascular pattern on chest X-ray. Echocardiography and cardiac marker testing were unavailable. The patient was diagnosed with ADHF and AECOPD. The patient was initially given furosemide IV, ramipril, spironolactone but didn’t improve. SABA-anticholinergic nebulization was added then and improved the symptoms. These medications were continued and added corticosteroid IV, antibiotics, aspirin in inward room. After 5 days of treatment, the patient improved, considered as outpatient and advised to control after 3 days. Discussion In the limited setting, manages patients with heart disease is challenging. History of untreated COPD, heart attack, hypertension, and dyslipidemia led the patient to this condition. There was no consensus in managing HF in the COPD population. Clinical consideration based on the dominant patient condition was suggested by some studies. This patient had significant improvement after combining diuretic, nebulization, and corticosteroid.

Point-of-Care Testing for Multiple Cardiac Markers Based on a Snail-Shaped Microfluidic Chip.

Existing methods for detecting cardiac markers are difficult to be applied in point-of-care testing (POCT) due to complex operation, long time consumption, and low sensitivity. Here, we report a snail-shaped microfluidic chip (SMC) for the multiplex detection of cTnI, CK-MB, and Myo with high sensitivity and a short detection time. The SMC consists of a sandwich structure: a channel layer with a mixer and reaction zone, a reaction layer coated with capture antibodies, and a base layer. The opening or closing of the microchannels is realized by controlling the downward movement of the press-type mechanical valve. The chemiluminescence method was used as a signal readout, and the experimental conditions were optimized. SMC could detect cTnI, CK-MB, and Myo at concentrations as low as 1.02, 1.37, and 4.15. The SMC will be a promising platform for a simultaneous determination of multianalytes and shows a potential application in POCT.

Risk factors, predictions, and progression of acute kidney injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: An observational retrospective cohort study.

Studies have shown that acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence post SARS-CoV-2 infection is complex and has a poor prognosis. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the rate and the predications of AKI involvement among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and AKI's impact on prognosis while under different types of medications. This study is a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Royal Medical Services. Medical records of COVID-19 patients admitted to BDF hospital, treated, and followed up from April 2020 to October 2020 were retrieved. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression with covariate adjustment, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence (95% CI) interval were reported. Among 353 patients admitted with COVID-19, 47.6% developed AKI. Overall, 51.8% of patients with AKI died compared to 2.2% of patients who did not develop AKI (p< 0.001 with OR 48.6 and 95% CI 17.2-136.9). Besides, deaths in patients classified with AKI staging were positively correlated and multivariate regression analysis revealed that moderate to severe hypoalbuminemia (<32 g/L) was independently correlated to death in AKI patients with an OR of 10.99 (CI 95% 4.1-29.3, p<0.001). In addition, 78.2% of the dead patients were on mechanical ventilation. Besides age as a predictor of AKI development, diabetes and hypertension were the major risk factors of AKI development (OR 2.04, p<0.01, and 0.05 for diabetes and hypertension, respectively). Also, two or more comorbidities substantially increased the risk of AKI development in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, high levels upon hospital admission of D-Dimer, Troponin I, and ProBNP and low serum albumin were associated with AKI development. Lastly, patients taking ACEI/ARBs had less chance to develop AKI stage II/III with OR of 0.19-0.27 (p<0.05-0.01). The incidence of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and the mortality rate among AKI patients were high and correlated with AKI staging. Furthermore, laboratory testing for serum albumin, hypercoagulability and cardiac injury markers maybe indicative for AKI development. Therefore, clinicians should be mandated to perform such tests on admission and follow-up in hospitalized patients.

MultiInflammatory Syndrome in Children: A View into Immune Pathogenesis from a Laboratory Perspective.

BackgroundMultiinflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel and rare inflammatory disorder associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in school-age children. Reports in the past year have suggested a multisystem pathophysiology characterized by hyperinflammation, gastrointestinal distress, and cardiovascular complications. Clinical laboratory investigations, including routine blood testing for inflammatory (e.g., C-reactive protein, ferritin) and cardiac (e.g., troponin, brain natriuretic peptides) markers have provided insight into potential drivers of disease pathogenesis, highlighting the role of the laboratory in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with similar conditions (e.g., Kawasaki disease, macrophage activating syndrome).ContentWhile few studies have applied high-dimensional immune profiling to further characterize underlying MIS-C pathophysiology, much remains unknown regarding predisposing risk factors, etiology, and long-term impact of disease onset. The extent of autoimmune involvement is also unclear. In the current review, we summarize and critically evaluate available literature on potential pathogenic mechanisms underlying MIS-C onset and discuss the current and anticipated value of various laboratory testing paradigms in MIS-C diagnosis and monitoring.SummaryFrom initial reports, it is clear that MIS-C has unique inflammatory signatures involving both adaptive and innate systems. Certain cytokines, inflammatory markers, and cardiac markers assist in the differentiation of MIS-C from other hyperinflammatory conditions. However, there are still major gaps in our understanding of MIS-C pathogenesis, including T cell, B cell, and innate response. It is essential that researchers not only continue to decipher initial pathogenesis but also monitor long-term health outcomes, particularly given observed presence of circulating autoantibodies with unknown impact.

Troponin -T as a prognostic and diagnostic marker for myocardial infarction

Over the past decade, there has been a progressive evolution of cardiac marker testing in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death in the developed world. Biomarkers have an vital role in analysis, risk stratification, administrative running and medical assessment making in the setting of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of MI. Cardiac troponin (cTn) rose to prominence during the 1990s and has evolved to be the cornerstone for diagnosis of MI. Cardiac troponins are released from myocytes following myocardial damage and loss of membrane integrity. Troponin T are member of a group of cardiac regulatory proteins which function to regulate the calcium mediated interaction of muscle filaments actin and myosin resulting in contraction and relaxation of striated muscle. New algorithms integrating Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), NT-proBNP, and more sensitive cTn assays footing potential for more rapid diagnosis of MI, allowing for appropriate management steps to be initiated and more efficient and effective utilization of healthcare resources.

Evaluation of Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein in Early Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundAlthough electrocardiography and cardiac troponin play important roles in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there remain unmet clinical needs. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) has been identified as an early diagnostic marker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we examined the diagnostic and prognostic value of H-FABP in patients suspected with ACS.MethodsWe conducted an observational single-center cohort study, including 89 adults aged 30 years or older, who presented to the emergency room (ER) within 24 hours after the onset of chest pain and/or dyspnea. We performed laboratory analysis and point-of-care testing (POCT) for cardiac markers, including H-FABP, troponin I, and creatine kinase-myocardial band. We also evaluated the correlation between cardiac markers and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD).ResultsIn patients presented to ER within 4 hours after symptom onset (n = 49), the diagnostic accuracy of H-FABP for AMI, as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, was higher (0.738; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.591–0.885) than other cardiac markers. In POCT, the diagnostic accuracy of H-FABP (56%; 95% CI, 45–67) was significantly higher than other cardiac markers. H-FABP was correlated with not extent of CAD but post-AMI LV dysfunction.ConclusionH-FABP is a useful cardiac marker for the early diagnosis of AMI and prediction of myocardia injury. Difference in the circulatory release timeline of cardiac markers could explain its utility in early-stage of myocardial injury.

Trends in Use of Biomarker Protocols for the Evaluation of Possible Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundVarious combinations of creatine kinase‐MB, myoglobin, and cardiac troponin I or T (cTnI/cTnT) have been used to evaluate patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes. The current recommendation is to use the 99th percentile of cTnI/cTnT as the sole marker for diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively analyzed cardiac marker protocols collected from 824 US hospitals undergoing Chest Pain Center Accreditation through the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care from 2009 to 2014. Data were obtained by a self‐reported survey that addressed cardiac marker(s), sampling time periods, and cut points used for evaluation of suspected acute myocardial infarction. The combination of cTnI or cTnT with creatine kinase‐MB was the most commonly used biomarker strategy. Use of cTnI or cTnT as the sole marker increased over time (14–37%; P<0.0001), as did use of the 99th percentile cut point for cTnI/cTnT (30–60%; P<0.0001).ConclusionThere is considerable variation in cardiac marker testing strategies used in US hospitals for evaluation of suspected acute myocardial infarction. Although increasing, 24% of hospitals used a cTn alone strategy, and only 49% used cTn at the recommended 99th percentile cut point. This has important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Clinical Usefulness of Combined Cardiac Marker Testing with a Point-of-Care Device at the Emergency Department

Clinical Usefulness of Combined Cardiac Marker Testing with a Point-of-Care Device at the Emergency Department

A New Concept in Relation to Blood Biochemical Parameters with Myocardial Infarction in Bangladeshi Population

Background : Blood testing for biochemical markers of Myocardial injury plays an increasingly important role for the evaluation, diagnosis and triage of patients with chest pain. The guidelines for the diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction ((MI) have recently changed and prominently incorporate the results of cardiac marker testing in the clinical definition of MI. We investigated these updated biomarkers and further compare the differing biology and release kinetics of clinically relevant biomarkers. Methods: Biochemical changes that occurred in the blood of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients were investigated. Two hundred and fifty two patients, 180 males and 72 females were included in this study. The mean age was 49.3 ± 9.25 years. Biochemical parameters include serum triglyceride, total protein, albumin , total bilirubin and total cholesterol to albumin ratio were analyzed. Results : Biochemical parameters showed that the increased level of triglyceride and total bilirubin were associated with myocardial infarction. Triglyceride and total bilirubin levels in myocardial infarction patients were 2.3 ±1.4 mmol/ L and 12.3±3.2 ?mol/ L respectively, whereas those of healthy controls were 1.7±1.2 mmol/L for triglycerides and 9.7±3.7 ?mol/L for bilirubin. On the other hand, serum total protein and albumin concentrations were lower in MI patients compared to those of controls. Total protein level was 65.5 ±3.1 g/L in MI patients and 76.2±5.3 g/L in healthy controls. Albumin levels in both patients and controls were 40.2 ±3.2 g/L and 45.4 ± 4.5 g/L correspondingly. Conclusion : Interestingly, serum total cholesterol level was not significantly different in MI patients compared to controls. In addition, cholesterol/albumin ratio in myocardial infarction patients (0.14 ± 0.04) found to be significantly higher than in healthy controls (0.11± 0.03). Cardiovascular Journal Volume 6, No. 1, 2013, Page 43-46 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i1.16114

Comparison of magnetocardiography and electrocardiography in diagnosis of cardiac ischemia: A simulation study

Afflicting 7.0% of the US population and accounting for almost one-half of all deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common form of CVD and alone was projected to cost the US $223.8billion in health care at 2030 [1]. The routine initial work-up currently used to determine IHD involves electrocardiographic (ECG) evaluation and cardiac marker testing. Although highly specific, both procedures are very insensitive to IHD and result in a substantial number of unnecessary admissions of non-ischemic subjects [2].

Incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction and cardiac biomarker testing after percutaneous coronary intervention in Japan: results from a multicenter registry

Periprocedural myocardial infarction (pMI) is an important complication associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data on the frequency of biomarker testing and the incidence of pMI remain unclear. Using the multicenter Japan Cardiovascular Database, we identified 2182 patients who underwent PCI without preprocedural cardiac biomarker elevation (silent ischemia, stable angina, or unstable angina without biomarker elevation) from September 2008 to August 2011. Of these, 550 patients (25.2 %) underwent cardiac biomarker testing within 6-24 h after PCI. The incidence of pMI was 2.7 % among all identified patients and 7.5 % among those who underwent cardiac marker testing. Of note, cardiac biomarker testing was performed more frequently than no testing in patients with a higher risk profile such as unstable angina (32.7 vs 24.7 %, P < 0.001), higher symptom scaling (28.2 vs 22.5 %, P = 0.008), urgent or emergent procedures (19.3 vs 15.0 %, P = 0.022 or 4.2 vs 1.0 %, P < 0.001, respectively), and type C lesion (31.3 vs 25.2 %, P = 0.006). Presentation with silent ischemia (odds ratio = 1.51, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.97) and nonemergent PCIs (odds ratio = 3.45, 95 % CI 1.79-6.67) were associated with no postprocedural cardiac biomarker testing. The real-world multicenter PCI registry in Japan revealed an incidence of 2.7 % for pMI; however, cardiac biomarkers were assessed in only 25.2 % of patients after PCI. The results suggest an underuse of postprocedural biomarker testing and room for procedural quality improvement, particularly in cases of silent ischemia and nonemergent cases.

Diagnostic accuracy of a point-of-care troponin I assay for acute myocardial infarction within 3 hours after presentation in early presenters to the emergency department with chest pain

Guidelines recommend that serial cardiac marker testing to rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) be performed for 8 to 12 hours after symptom onset. We aim to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a contemporary point-of-care (POC) troponin I (TnI) assay within 3 hours for patients presenting within 8 hours of symptom onset. The MIDAS study collected blood from patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome at presentation and at 90 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours in whom the emergency physician planned an objective cardiac ischemia evaluation. Criterion standard diagnoses were adjudicated by experienced clinicians using all available medical records per American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology criteria. Reviewers were blinded to the investigational marker, Cardio3 TnI POC. The Cardio3 TnI reference value was defined as >0.05 ng/mL. Measures of diagnostic accuracy are presented with 95% CI. A total of 858 of 1107 patients met the inclusion criteria. The study cohort had 476 men (55.5%) with median age of 57.0 years (interquartile range 48.0-67.0 years). Median time from symptom onset to initial blood draw was 3.9 hours (interquartile range 2.7-5.2 hours). Acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 82 patients (9.6%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio over 3 hours were 84.1, 93.4, 12.8, and 0.17, respectively. There was no significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy associated with adding 6-hour serial testing to the 3-hour sample. In suspected patients with acute coronary syndrome presenting to the emergency department within 8 hours of symptom onset, 3 hours of serial testing with the Cardio3 TnI POC platform provides similar diagnostic accuracy for AMI as longer periods.

Quantitative Point-of-Care Troponin I in Emergency Department in Comparison With Troponin I in Central Laboratory

Many patients may present simultaneously in emergency departments. We must ensure that patients are treated in the order of their clinical urgency and that the treatment is appropriate and timely. Rapid cardiac marker testing may aid in early detection of acute coronary syndromes. It is almost impossible for laboratories to deliver cardiac biomarker results in less than 30 minutes, using serum- or plasma-based assays. Use of plasma for measurement of cardiac biomarkers eliminates the clotting process involved in producing serum and therefore reduces the overall turnaround time for biomarker testing. Point-of-care devices allow cardiac troponin I testing using anticoagulated whole blood specimens at the site of patient care delivery. Elimination of transport and centrifugation can reduce the overall turnaround time to less than 30 minutes. We compared the performance of a critical point-of-care device PathFast (Mitsubishi, Kagaku Iatron, Inc, Chiba, Japan) with a core laboratory Liaison analyzer (DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy) for troponin I determination. Both methods are chemiluminiscent immunoassays. Thirty-one consecutive patients from the emergency department presenting with chest pain were included in this study. The results obtained with PathFast correlated very well with those obtained in the core laboratory. Optimum sensitivity and specificity of the PathFast cardiac troponin I were demonstrated at a cutoff of 0.1 μg/L (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity). A significant decrease in overall turnaround time was achieved with the PathFast (20 ± 5 vs 104 ± 33 minutes, P < 0.001).

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Central Laboratory and Point-of-Care Cardiac Marker Testing Strategies: The Disposition Impacted by Serial Point of Care Markers in Acute Coronary Syndromes (DISPO-ACS) Trial

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Central Laboratory and Point-of-Care Cardiac Marker Testing Strategies: The Disposition Impacted by Serial Point of Care Markers in Acute Coronary Syndromes (DISPO-ACS) Trial

375: Using a Rapid Cardiac Disposition Protocol to Improve Patient Flow

To measure the effect of point-of-care (POC) cardiac marker testing in the form of a Rapid Acute Cardiac Evaluation (RACE) pathway on the emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) and overall hospital LOS for ED patients with cardiac complaints.

Cardiac markers: a clear cause for point-of-care testing

Point-of-care testing (POCT) in patients with ischemic heart disease is driven by the time-critical need for fast, specific, and accurate results to initiate therapy instantly. According to current guidelines, the results of the cardiac marker testing should be available to the physician within 30 min ("vein-to-brain" time) to initiate therapy within 60-90 min ("door-to-needle" time) after the patient has arrived at the emergency room or intensive care unit. This article reviews the current efforts to meet this goal (1) by implementing POCT of established biochemical markers such as cardiac troponins, creatine kinase MB, and myoglobin, in accelerated diagnosis and management workflow schemes, (2) by improving current POCT methods to obtain more accurate, more specific, and even faster tests through the integration of optical and electrochemical sensor technology, and (3) by identifying new markers for the very early and sensitive detection of myocardial ischemia and necrosis. Furthermore, the specific requirements for cardiac POCT in regard to analytical performance, comparability, and diagnostic sensitivity/specificity are discussed. For the future, the integration of new immunooptical and electrochemical chip technology might speed up diagnosis even further. However, every new development will have to meet the stringent method validation criteria set for corresponding central laboratory testing.