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B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

Test code: 37386

This test is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of congestive heart failure (CHF). This marker of cardiac dysfunction correlates with the severity of symptomatic and asymptomatic left ventricular hypertrophy and CHF (including the New York Heart Association classification). BNP can be used to differentiate causes of dyspnea: heart failure vs pulmonary disease. Results within the reference interval suggest that the patient’s symptoms are probably not due to heart failure. Results exceeding the reference interval suggest an increased probability that the patient is in heart failure and that further cardiac assessment is warranted. BNP serves as a guide for management and prognosis, as successful therapy for heart failure typically results in a decrease in BNP concentrations.1,2

No patient preparation is required.

Collect blood into a plastic lavender-top tube (EDTA). Centrifuge tube and separate plasma into a plastic specimen transport tube within 1 hour. Freeze plasma immediately.

Note: BNP is unstable in glass containers or collected as serum.

Heterophile antibodies (antibodies to animal immunoglobulins) present in the patient’s blood could cause anomalous results.3

No. There is a wide variation in BNP results when different methods are used. When monitoring patients, the same method should be used consistently.

References

  1. Januzzi JL Jr. The role of natriuretic peptide testing in guiding chronic heart failure management: review of available data and recommendations for use. Arch Cardiovasc Dis. 2012;105(1):40-50. doi:10.1016/j.acvd.2011.10.007
  2. Troughton R, Michael Felker G, Januzzi JL Jr. Natriuretic peptide-guided heart failure management. Eur Heart J. 2014;35(1):16-24. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/eht463
  3. ADVIA Centaur® BNP. Package insert. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc; 2003.

 

This FAQ is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on the clinician’s education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.

 

Document FAQS.128 Version: 1                                         

Version 1: Effective 12/16/2022 to present

Version 0: Effective 12/24/2013 to 12/16/2022

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