Dear Health Care Providers,
We are pleased to share an update on our testing for cardiac troponin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in B.C.
On May 29, 2023, we will be replacing the current high sensitivity Troponin T assay with the Abbott Alinity i high sensitivity cardiac Troponin I assay.
The high cardiac tissue specificity of Troponin I is beneficial for identifying myocardium injury in clinical conditions involving skeletal muscle injury or muscle disease. Reference ranges will be updated and gender-specific ranges will be introduced to reflect recent guidelines and to help guide result interpretation. We would like to take this opportunity and emphasize the importance of serial sampling to detect changes in cardiac Troponin I levels to differentiate acute cardiac events from chronic disease.
On May 29, 2023, we will also begin offering NT-proBNP testing which will replace current testing of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), used to diagnose and manage patients with suspected heart failure. To reduce pre-analytical variability, levels of NT-proBNP will be measured in serum sample.
For any clinical or technical questions regarding these changes please contact the following LifeLabs biochemists:
|
William E. Schreiber MD Clinical Director of Chemistry, Burnaby, BC T 604-412-4483 E William.Schreiber@LifeLabs.com |
Joanna Jung PhD Clinical Biochemist, Victoria, BC T 604-507-5104 |
Thank you,
Romina Reyes MSc MD FRCPC
BC Medical Director
T 604-507-5259
