How to Test for Cardiac Markers

A blood specimin is needed to test for cardiac markers.

The common cardiac markers, or biomarkers, are creatine kinase (CK) and troponin. Sometimes a change in vernacular will lump all markers into one category known as cardiac biomarkers. No matter the wording, biomarkers are components of a blood chemistry panel widely used in emergency rooms to accurately assess if a patient presenting with chest pain is having a cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction, or if another mechanism, such as skeletal muscle strain or an acute illness, is mimicking symptoms in such a way that a definitive diagnosis cannot be made without cardiac enzyme results.

Instructions

1. 

   Getting to the heart of cardiac biomarker analysis.

   Ellict a history and physical from the patient to determine if his signs and symptoms warrant investigation by processing a cardiac chemistry panel.

2. 

   Obtain orders for a blood test.

   Obtain a direct order, or utilize standing protocols, that allows blood to be drawn.

3. Use a green-top vacuum tube to collect a blood sample.

4. Release the green-top vacuum tube to the lab, or deliver it to lab personnel.

Tips & Warnings

• Blood intended for the chemistry study of CK and troponin should always go into a green-top tube because this specific tube contains an anticoagulating agent.

• If the blood sample is collected in any other color tube than a green-top, the patient may need redrawn for another specimen. This can delay treatment based solely on the CK and troponin report.

References

• Lab Tests Online: Cardiac Biomarkers
• University of Utah: Routine Venipuncture and Specimen Collection
• WebMD: Cardiac Enzyme Studies

Resources

• GP Notebook: Biochemical Reference Values
• Alberta Health Services: Directory of Tests