Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

BNP (NT pro-BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide)

Suitable Specimen Types

Special Collection Procedures Apply

BNP (NT pro-BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide)

Specimen Volume

1mL blood (~250uL serum)

Turnaround Time

1 Week

Sample Processing In Laboratory

No special requirements

Sample Stability

6 days at 2-8°C

General Information

In subjects with left ventricular dysfunction, serum and plasma concentrations of BNP increase, as does the concentration of the putatively inactive amino-terminal fragment, NT-proBNP.  ProBNP, comprising 108 amino acids, is secreted mainly by the ventricle and, in this process, is cleaved into physiologically active BNP (77-108) and the N-terminal fragment NT-proBNP.  Studies indicate that NT-proBNP can be used in diagnostic and prognostic applications.  The concentration of NT-proBNP in serum or plasma correlates with the prognosis of the left ventricular dysfunction. Changes in NT-proBNP concentration can be used to evaluate the success of treatment in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. In addition NT-proBNP is suitable for use in assessing vascular remodelling, and therefore contributes to the establishment of individualized rehabilitation procedures.

 

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required. Sample must only be collected into a yellow top vacutainer.

Notes

N-Terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide

Reference Range

Males <60yrs : <85ng/L

Male ≥60yrs: <161ng/L

Female < 60yrs: <144ng/L

Female ≥ 60yrs: <203ng/L

 

Heart failure referral guidelines (NICE):

<400 ng/L: do not refer

400-2000 ng/L: Refer within 6 weeks

>2000 ng/L: Refer urgently (<2 weeks)

 

Source of Reference Range

In house validation and NICE referral guidance

Specifications

  • EQA Status: UK NEQAS cardiac markers scheme
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Tags

BNP cardiac markers NT-proBNP

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Friday, 10 May 2019

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University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962