Troponintbldmcnc
A blood test that measures cardiac troponin T, a protein released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged.
{"Measures troponin T, a protein released when heart muscle is damaged","Helps diagnose heart attacks and other heart conditions","Results are typically available within a few hours","Normal levels indicate no recent heart muscle injury"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48425-3
- Short code
- cTnT
- Synonyms
- Troponin T Bld-mCnc
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lithium heparin tube (green top) or EDTA tube (lavender top)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 14
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- — – 100 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- High-sensitivity sandwich immunoassay (electrochemiluminescence)
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 371949004
- Specimen volume
- 2-3 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days; Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 1–2 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The cardiac troponin T test measures the amount of troponin T in your blood. Troponin T is a protein found specifically in heart muscle cells. When the heart muscle is damaged, troponin T is released into the bloodstream. This test is one of the most sensitive and specific markers for heart muscle injury.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test is often repeated several times over 24 hours to see if troponin levels are rising or falling, which helps doctors determine if and when a heart injury occurred.
What do the results mean?
Normal troponin T levels are very low or undetectable. Elevated levels indicate heart muscle damage. The higher the level, the more extensive the damage. Your doctor will interpret your results along with other tests, symptoms, and your medical history to make a diagnosis.
Reference range
Reference range: <14 ng/L (normal); 14-100 ng/L (indeterminate zone suggesting myocardial injury); >100 ng/L (high probability of acute myocardial infarction)N/A
No fasting required. Collect sample via venipuncture. Inform patient that serial troponin measurements (at 0 and 3-6 hours) are typically required for accurate diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Can high troponin levels mean something other than a heart attack?
Do I need to fast before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy