Thanks to all of those who responded. (n = 8)
The summary of returns is that most laboratories offer a Troponin service to
GP's (one lab did not with the acerbic comment that it was difficult enough
to get PCT's to pay for what they did use, let alone for new tests!)
The level of use by GP's was small, typically 1 per week on average, so the
financial impact was minimal. It was felt appropriate for the reason for the
test to be discussed with the GP, "routine" Troponin requests were
discouraged, or held for a period of time before being discarded.
The main cause for a GP request was a patient episode suggestive of an acute
coronary event in the recent past (1 to 3 days)
The need for a GP Troponin service in rural areas was felt to be greater, as
transport and admission to hospital could be dependent on a positive result.
David G Williams
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