High-Sensitivity Troponin
A heart-specific protein released when heart muscle cells are injured.
| Typical reference range (male) | below 22 ng/L |
| Typical reference range (female) | below 14 ng/L |
| Commonly cited optimal range | below 5 ng/L |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Troponins are proteins that regulate heart muscle contraction. High-sensitivity assays can detect very low concentrations present in healthy people, as well as the rises that follow heart muscle injury.
Why it matters
Troponin is the cornerstone for diagnosing heart attacks. In healthy people, detectable low-level troponin within the normal range is associated with structural heart disease and future cardiovascular risk.
What a high result can mean
Elevations occur with heart attack, myocarditis, heart failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, kidney disease, and transiently after strenuous endurance exercise such as marathons. A rising pattern over hours suggests acute injury.
What a low result can mean
Low or undetectable values are normal and favorable.
What affects the result
Cut-offs are specific to the assay: troponin T (Roche) and troponin I (Abbott, Siemens, others) are not interchangeable, and sex-specific 99th percentile limits differ by manufacturer, so compare only results from the same assay. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours before routine testing. Chest pain warrants emergency care, not a routine lab test.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in ng/L.
- From pg/mL: multiply by 1 to get ng/L
- From ng/mL: multiply by 1,000 to get ng/L
- From ug/L: multiply by 1,000 to get ng/L
Also called on lab reports
Troponin I, High Sensitivity, hs-Troponin I, Troponin T, High Sensitivity, hs-Troponin T, High Sensitivity Troponin, hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, Troponin, Troponin I, Troponin T, Cardiac Troponin I, hs-Troponin
Related tests: Heart
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.