Trop I Test

Troponin I and Troponin T are regulatory proteins found in the heart muscle and are released into the blood stream when there is some form of damage to the heart. Cardiac troponin levels are normally so low they cannot be detected with most blood tests. Troponin I test is usually required to diagnose heart attack and any other conditions with similar signs and symptoms. Trop I testing may also be done for people with angina to monitor their symptoms. These tests may be done along with other cardiac biomarker tests such as CK-MB or myoglobin.

No prior preparation is required, but it is advisable that the patient inform the practitioner about the following prior to the testing: Your medical history including any prior injuries and heart ailments List of medications that are being taken Dietary restrictions that are being followed Based on this history, the practitioner may advice you about any diet restrictions, and usage of medications that need to be followed. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that will allow easy access to your forearm on the day of testing.

Troponin I test helps in identifying and monitoring the damage to the heart. This test is suggested when the patient shows symptoms of heart attack such as chest pain, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and shortness of breath. Trop I is the preferred test for suspected heart attack as it is more specific to heart injury and as the Trop I levels remain elevated for a longer period of time. It helps in taking measures to prevent further damage to the heart and reducing the risk of future heart attacks. Because Troponin I is specific to cardiac muscle, the test is not affected by damage to skeletal muscles. Therefore injections, accidents, and drugs that can damage muscle do not affect cardiac troponin levels.

A blood sample is drawn from the vein from the forearm after the skin surface is cleaned with antiseptic. The blood sample collected is then used to measure the levels of Troponin I. The tests may be repeated multiple times within a specified duration to monitor the Troponin levels. Even slightly elevated levels indicate some degree of damage to the heart. Significant and consistent elevated levels, and in particular, rise in the levels in a series of tests done over several hours are clear indicators of heart attack.