High-sensitivity cardiac troponin in clinical practice: Interpretation, implementation and frequent misconceptions

Description

This webinar focuses on the interpretation and practical applications of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. With focus on common misunderstandings and real-world challenges, the session addresses key questions healthcare professionals face. Our speaker will navigate the latest evidence-based practices, covering key aspects such as clinical and analytical characteristics of hs-cTn assays, integration of hs-cTn testing in both central laboratory and point-of-care settings, the role of accelerated diagnostic pathways in the emergency department (rule out, observational zone and rule in), and common mistakes in the interpretation and implementation of hs-cTn assays.

Attendees will gain insights to confidently interpret and implement hs-cTn results, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions at the clinical setting. This webinar is tailored for emergency and cardiology physicians, nursing staff, lab directors and managers, medical technologists, and other healthcare professionals working in fast-paced cardiac care settings.

Target audience

This activity is designed for physicians, lab supervisors, lab directors (and/or assistant directors), lab managers (supervisory and/or non-supervisory), medical technologists, point-of-care coordinators, pathologists, and in-training individuals.

Learning objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recall the clinical and analytical characteristics of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays, including point-of-care assays.
• Recognize common misconceptions in interpreting and implementing hs-cTn results across various clinical scenarios. 
• Define the role of hs-cTn assays within accelerated diagnostic pathways (e.g., 0/1hr and 0/2hr protocols) for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, including the management of patients who fall into the observational zone.
• Identify current challenges and explore practical solutions for optimal use of hs-cTn.

Faculty

Pedro Lopez Ayala, MD, MSc
Senior Research Fellow
Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel
Basel, Switzerland

Disclosures and statement of independence

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) is dedicated to ensuring balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. All participating planning committee members and faculty are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. The intent of this disclosure is to provide participants with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The following faculty reported financial relationships:

• Pedro Lopez Ayala, MD, MSc
  • Honorarium: Quidel, Roche Diagnostics, Polymedco

Content validity

All recommendations involving clinical medicine are based on evidence accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients; AND/OR all scientific research referred to or reported in support or justification of a patient care recommendation conforms to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Accreditation statement

This activity is approved for 1.0 ACCENT® continuing education credits. Activity ID #4406. This activity was planned in accordance with ACCENT® Standards and Policies.

Successful completion statement

Verification of Participation certificates are provided to registered participants based on completion of the activity, in its entirety, and the activity evaluation. For questions regarding continuing education, please email [email protected].