Rapid MB CK subform assay and the early diagnosis of myocardial infarction

Seventy percent of patients admitted to coronary care units are ruled out for acute myocardial infarction. It has been estimated that 2-3 billion dollars each year could be saved if these non-AMI patients could be identified early, allowing the patient to be admitted to a less intensive setting. This study evaluated a new bedside device, the Cardiac STATus CK-MB/Myoglobin device for its utility in rapidly ruling out AMI. The device demonstrated a 99% negative predictive value within three hours of patient presentation.