Comparing point-of-care and laboratory testing for heart attack diagnosis

Effect of Point-of-care Analysis of Ultrasensitive Troponin I on Length of Hospital Stay in Patients With Cardiac Chest Pain: a Randomized Study (POC Troponina)

NA · University of Sao Paulo · NCT06861582

This study is testing if a quick bedside test for heart attacks can help patients with chest pain leave the hospital faster than using the traditional lab tests.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT06861582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of point-of-care testing for ultrasensitive troponin I compared to traditional laboratory testing in patients with chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndromes. It aims to determine whether the point-of-care method can reduce the time from hospital admission to discharge. The study involves randomizing patients into two groups, one receiving point-of-care testing and the other receiving laboratory-based testing, with a focus on measuring the efficiency of care provided by each method. The primary outcome is the length of hospital stay for patients diagnosed with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who present to the emergency room with chest pain symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes.

Not a fit: Patients with ST-segment elevation on ECG, chronic conditions affecting troponin interpretation, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster diagnosis and discharge for patients with chest pain, improving overall patient care and resource utilization in emergency settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using point-of-care testing for rapid diagnosis in acute coronary syndromes, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged ≥ 18 years.
* Patients arriving in the emergency room with symptoms suggestive of ACS, with onset of pain between 3 and 12 hours after arrival, in whom serial troponin dosing is planned for investigation.
* Signature of the Informed Consent Form (ICF).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients presenting with ACS with ST-segment elevation on the 12-lead ECG on arrival at hospital.
* Patients with conditions that interfere with the interpretation of troponin dosage (chronic renal failure, cancer, chronic lung diseases).
* Pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
* Patients already included in other clinical research protocols.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Acute Coronary Syndromes, Troponin I, Point-of-Care Testing, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Biomarkers, Emergency Service, Hospital, Myocardial Ischemia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.