Background: Whole blood or plasma samples are recommended for use in triple-marker testing of myocardial infarction. Whether serum sample can be used for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction has not been compared and validated.
Methods: Whole blood samples and serum samples were detected with CTnI, Mb and CK-MB simultaneously by using immunofluorescence assay method.
Results: Both CK-MB and TNI detection results were highly consistent for whole blood samples vs. serum samples. However, when Mb is tested, the positive rate of serum samples is relatively low, and there will be more false negative results, resulting in missed diagnosis.
Conlusion: Serum samples cannot be used in replace of whole blood samples for triple-marker testing and diagnosis of myocardial infarction.