Point-of-care testing di troponina ad alta sensibilità (hs-ctn Poct): stato dell’arte e prospettive

The rationale for the Point-of-care testing (POCT) of troponin (cTn) lies in the reduction of the Turnaround Time (TAT) and therefore of the length-of-stay (LOS) in the Emergency Department (ED), and in the diagnosis of heart injury in isolated areas. However, cTn POCTs are less sensitive and not comparable with laboratory methods (LAB). Their data cannot be used in the troponin curve with the LAB method and the rise and fall curve with POCT must be followed for more than 6 hours. Furthermore, there are few primary evidence and no meta-analyses on the role of cTn POCTs. Nevertheless, POCTs with hs-cTn (high-sensitivity troponin) method have recently appeared on the market and can overcome the above-described issues: PATHFAST hs-cTn, Quiedel/Alere TriageTrue, Atellica VTLi Patient-side. The Review describes the data and evidence of these devices, evaluating their adequacy for the diagnostic objectives, and their perspectives.