Abstract
To initiate prompt and appropriate therapy in patients presenting with chest pain and to optimize utilization of Intensive Care facilities, an early and specific diagnosis is required. To assess data on selective diagnostic techniques in relation to patient turnover in a large volume of patients, the authors established a MUMPS database in the 15 bed Barnes Hospital Coronary Care Unit. The primary goal was to determine on a routine basis the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of **9**9**mTc pyrophosphate scintigrams and ECGs compared to plasma CK isoenzymes (MB CK) in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The diagnosis of infarction was established on the basis of elevated plasma MB CK. Compared to the scintigrams and ECGs plasma MB CK determinations provided a more rapid and specific diagnosis of myocardial infarction provided a rapid patient turnover with more proper utilization of expensive Intensive Care facilities.