Plasma BNP

Specimen Required

3cc EDTA BLOOD (CBC VIAL)

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To help determine whether symptoms such as breathlessness are due to heart failure

When this test is required

A BNP test may be requested under the following circumstances: In your doctor’s surgery, if you have symptoms that could be due to heart failure. In hospital, BNP may be used in patients presenting with suspected new acute heart failure.

What the Test Detects

This test measures the concentration of BNP or NT-proBNP in the blood. BNP is a hormone that helps to regulate blood volume. NT-proBNP is an inactive fragment produced at the same time as BNP. Both BNP and NT-proBNP are mainly produced by the heart’s left ventricle (the organ’s main pumping chamber). The heart releases more BNP and NT-proBNP when the left ventricle is stretched from having to work harder as can happen in heart failure (when your heart is not strong enough to pump enough oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to meet your body’s needs). BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations increase in heart failure as well as in other diseases that affect the heart and circulatory system.How is the sample collected for testing?Blood is taken by needle from a vein in your arm.Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?No test preparation is needed.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

None

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

Drugs such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics can decrease BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations. It is important to inform your healthcare professional if you are taking these medications, so the test result can be interpreted correctly. Do not stop taking these medications without consulting with your healthcare professional.BNP and NT-proBNP results provide the same information for your doctor but results for the different tests cannot be compared directly, and measurements should not be interchanged.Increased levels of BNP and NT-proBNP are seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

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