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a fast heart attack Experts have revealed that the test can significantly speed up the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Promise to cut waiting times in emergency departments,
Currently required for suspected heart attack blood sample Sent to the hospital laboratory for troponin analysis – a protein Is released when the heart muscle is damaged, high level indicates attackThese lab tests may take up to two hours to get results,
To speed up diagnosis, scientists explore bedside troponin testSome of which can provide answers in just 10 minutes.
A new study led by British Heart Foundation-funded researchers at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand and the University of Edinburgh examined these rapid tests, which analyze blood instantly on a cartridge.
Researchers examined data from 59,980 people admitted to emergency departments for chest pain in adults at six hospitals in New Zealand. About half received usual care, and half were given point-of-care tests.
The findings, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference in New Orleans, showed that patients given the rapid test were discharged or admitted for heart attack care an average of 47 minutes earlier.
Importantly, no differences were found in outcomes at 30-day follow-up, suggesting that the rapid test is a safe tool for the patient’s immediate needs.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director and consultant cardiologist at the British Heart Foundation, highlighted the significance of the findings.
“If you’re having a heart attack, every minute counts,” he said. “And if you’re not, you’ll want to be sure as soon as possible or get diagnosed with something different.”
He added: “Troponin is a telltale protein that leaks into the bloodstream when the heart is damaged, so measuring it could be important for doctors to diagnose or rule out a heart attack.
“But lab results can take hours to get back, so it’s exciting to see the bedside troponin test used in this study make a rapid difference – providing results within minutes, and without compromising accuracy and safety.”
Concluding, Dr Babu-Narayan noted the wide-ranging benefits: “Reducing delays in diagnosis is important for patients, and also important for pressured emergency departments that are working to ensure everyone gets the care they need, when they need it.”