Implementation of a High-Sensitivity Troponin Assay and Its Association With Resource Utilization in Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective: To examine the association between the implementation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and downstream resource utilization in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients and Methods: We analyzed 461 ED encounters of patients with suspected ACS between January 1, 2022 and December 12, 2022. The final propensity score-matched analysis included 300 encounters in which the conventional cardiac troponin (c-cTn) assay (n=150) or hs-cTn assay (n=150) was used. Groups were compared for downstream resource utilization, including cardiology consults, cardiovascular imaging, disposition of care, ED length of stay, and 30-day outcomes, using appropriate statistical testing. Results: >.99) rates, were comparable. Conclusion: Implementing hs-cTn in the ED can significantly reduce downstream testing and hospital resource utilization. Wider adoption of hs-cTn assays could present an opportunity to optimize care of patients with suspected ACS.