Cardiac Troponin I, Serum (High-Sensitivity)
This test measures a protein released by heart muscle when it’s damaged, often used to check for heart attack or other heart-related issues.
["Helps detect heart injury or risk of a heart attack with high accuracy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111058-4
- Short code
- CK MB Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- CK MB Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82553
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test For?
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) is used primarily to diagnose or evaluate suspected heart problems, such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction). It can also help assess heart damage in other conditions like heart failure, heart valve problems, or after cardiac procedures.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of heart trouble. It’s also used in monitoring patients with known heart conditions or after a suspected heart attack.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed for troponin I levels using a sensitive immunoassay method.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are compared to a reference range to determine if troponin levels are elevated. Elevated levels often indicate recent or ongoing heart muscle damage, but interpretation depends on clinical context and symptoms.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Elevated troponin levels are a strong indicator of heart injury and are critical for diagnosing conditions like a heart attack. They can also help guide treatment decisions, such as whether to use medications or procedures to support heart function.
Short name
hs-cTnI
Frequently asked questions
Why was this test ordered?
What does a high or low result mean?
How soon will I get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy