Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
Using Extraordinary Optical Transmission to Quantify Cardiac Biomarkers in Human Serum
Published on: December 13, 2017
Point-of-care high-sensitivity troponin-I analysis in capillary blood for acute coronary syndrome diagnostics
Anne L Bruinen1, Lisa D S Frenk1, Femke de Theije2
1VieCuri Medical Center, Venlo, The Netherlands.
Insights
Point-of-care testing with the Atellica VTLi analyzer for high-sensitivity troponin provides accurate results from capillary blood. This validation supports rapid, decentralized testing for acute coronary syndrome, potentially reducing hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
- Cardiovascular Biomarkers
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis requires timely risk stratification.
- Point-of-care (POC) testing can expedite patient disposition.
- High-sensitivity troponin assays are crucial for ACS evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Validate the Atellica VTLi Patient-side Immunoassay Analyzer for POC high-sensitivity troponin analysis.
- Assess the performance of the analyzer using different blood sample types.
- Evaluate the clinical utility of POC troponin testing for chest pain patients.
Main Methods:
- 152 patients with acute chest pain were enrolled.
- Capillary blood, venous whole blood, and plasma samples were analyzed.
- Atellica VTLi analyzer was used for POC testing; central lab analysis was performed for comparison.
Main Results:
- The Atellica VTLi showed no significant difference between venous whole blood and plasma.
- A 7.1% bias was observed between capillary and venous blood, with a correction factor applied.
- Capillary POC results showed no clinically relevant differences compared to central lab plasma analysis.
Conclusions:
- The Atellica VTLi analyzer provides equivalent high-sensitivity troponin results across sample types, including capillary blood.
- POC testing using capillary blood demonstrates no clinically relevant discordance with central laboratory results.
- This technology may enable rapid troponin testing in pre-hospital or primary care settings, potentially avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.
Objectives:
Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should be referred promptly to the hospital to reduce mortality and morbidity. Differentiating between low-risk and high-risk patients remains a diagnostic challenge. Point-of-care testing can contribute to earlier disposition decisions for patients excluded from ACS. This study describes the validation of the Atellica® VTLi. Patient-side Immunoassay Analyzer for high-sensitivity troponin point-of-care (POC) analysis. (The Atellica VTLi is not available for sale in the USA. The products/features (mentioned herein) are not commercially available in all countries. Their future availability cannot be guaranteed).
Methods:
A total of 152 patients with acute chest pain admitted at the cardiac emergency department (ED) were included in the study. Capillary blood was compared with a whole blood and plasma sample obtained by venipuncture. All samples were analyzed using the Atellica VTLi Patient-side Immunoassay Analyzer; in addition, plasma was analyzed by a central lab immunoassay analyzer.
Results:
No significant difference was observed between venous whole blood vs. plasma analyzed by the Atellica VTLi Patient-side Immunoassay Analyzer. The difference between capillary blood and venous blood showed a constant bias of 7.1%, for which a correction factor has been implemented. No clinically relevant differences were observed for the capillary POC results compared to plasma analyzed with a standard immunoassay analyzer.
Conclusions:
The Atellica VTLi Patient-side Immunoassay Analyzer for high-sensitivity troponin analysis shows equivalent results for all sample types, including capillary blood. No clinically relevant discordances were observed between capillary POC and central laboratory results. With additional studies, this could pave the way towards rapid testing of high-sensitivity troponin in the ambulance or the general practitioner's office without the need for hospitalization of patients with acute chest pain.
More Related Videos
06:16Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
10:12A Sensitive and Specific Quantitation Method for Determination of Serum Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Published on: August 8, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:26Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care