Dakota Harris, RN

A patient presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain. The first high-sensitivity troponin was drawn at 1246 and resulted in <6. A second troponin was drawn at 1352 and resulted in 18. IV Heparin bolus was given, and a Heparin infusion was started. He transferred to a higher level of care following this result.
The third troponin was drawn at 1546 and resulted in <6.

Dakota questioned the validity of the second troponin result. The lab was called and asked to re-run the second specimen. Lab re-ran it and the result was found to be <6, not 18. ED LIP was notified, and the patient's IV heparin and transfer request were discontinued. This incorrect result of the second troponin negatively impacted this patient's care.

This great catch by Dakota helped ensure the patient had the correct plan of care. The patient was discharged from the Emergency Department in stable condition.