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BNP
(a.k.a Brain natriuretic peptide, NTB, Pro-BNP, NT--proBNP)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: NTB
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)
Special instructions
None
In suspected chronic heart failure:
>2000: Refer urgently to heart failure clinic.
400 - 2000: Refer to community Echo & initiate treatment if high clinical suspicion.
<400: Heart failure unlikely. Review for alternative causes. If suspicion of heart failure remains discuss with cardiology via consultant connect.
(NICE NG106)
Units
ng/L
Turnaround Time
2
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Factors which may give misleading NT-proBNP results:
Falsely increased:
Age >70, left ventricular hypertrophy, PE, ischaemic heart disease, tachycardia, right
ventricular overload, hypoxia, eGFR<60, sepsis, COPD, diabetes, cirrhosis.
Falsely reduced:
Obesity, African or African-Caribbean, diuretics, ACEi, ARBs, mineralocorticoid antagonists.
Webpage updated: July 2025.
