Hospital testing heart attack analyser

Bradford Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department is the first in the region to trial the Alere Triage testing analyser, which carries out two blood tests 90 minutes apart to indicate whether or not a person has had a heart attack.

If blood levels are raised, the patient is transferred immediately to the hospital's heart ward for further treatment, bypassing the current system which means a 12 hour wait on the medical admissions unit before a blood test can be carried out.

Consultant David Robinson said: "There is no doubt this machine allows a speedier diagnosis in helping us identify and diagnose patients who have had a heart attack. It also avoids the need for those patients whose results come back negative to be admitted to hospital."

Around 30 hospital departments, mainly around London and in southern England, use the machine.

Consultant cardiologist Steven Lindsay said: "Our aim would be to treat and discharge most patients who need angioplasty after a heart attack within 72 hours of admission as it will help us deliver a more effective and efficient system of care."