MLT GlobeB-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Cardiac Markers · also called Brain natriuretic peptide
What it measures
BNP is a hormone released by the heart ventricles when they are stretched by volume or pressure overload. It helps diagnose or exclude heart failure in breathless patients and indicates prognosis.
Specimen and preparation
- Specimen: EDTA plasma
- Tube: Lavender top
- Preparation: Collect in plastic tubes; BNP is unstable, so analyse within 4 hours.
Reference range
| Group | Range |
|---|---|
| Heart failure unlikely (acute) | <100 pg/mL |
| Heart failure unlikely (non-acute) | <35 pg/mL |
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.
Causes of high values
- Heart failure
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension
- Atrial fibrillation
- Kidney impairment
- Advancing age
Causes of low values
- Obesity (falsely low)
- Flash pulmonary oedema early on
Method
Chemiluminescent or fluorescent immunoassay
Good to know
Sacubitril/valsartan (neprilysin inhibition) raises BNP; use NT-proBNP to monitor patients on this drug.
Related tests
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