Cardiac Troponin I, Serum (Mass Concentration)
This blood test measures the levels of cardiac troponin I, a protein released when heart muscle is damaged, often due to a heart attack.
["Helps detect heart damage and assesses risk after heart-related events."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13969-1
- Short code
- CK MB SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- CK MB SerPl-mCnc
- 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
Why This Test Matters
Cardiac troponin I is a highly specific marker for heart muscle injury. Elevated levels can signal conditions like a heart attack, myocarditis, or other cardiac stress. This test is critical for diagnosing and guiding treatment for heart-related emergencies.
When You Might Need This Test
Your doctor may order this test if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms suggesting heart trouble. It’s also used after heart attacks, heart surgeries, or during monitoring for heart conditions like heart failure or arrhythmias.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The lab measures troponin I levels using a sensitive immunoassay method, which detects even tiny amounts of the protein in your serum.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about recent injuries, surgeries, or medications, especially those affecting heart function. Avoid strenuous activity 24 hours before the test if possible.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cardiac Troponin I
Frequently asked questions
Elevated troponin I levels often indicate recent or ongoing heart damage. While high levels strongly suggest a heart attack, they can also appear in other conditions like heart failure, severe infections, or kidney problems. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
What Are Normal Results?
How Long Does It Take to Get 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