The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) which consists of 76 amino acids, is the N-terminal fragment of the prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide. NT-proBNP level in the blood is used for screening, diagnosis of acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and may be useful to establish prognosis in heart failure, as it is typically higher in patients with worse outcomes. NT-proBNP may be a useful screening tool for left ventricular dysfunction in patients with a history suggestive of heart disease and be used to assist in forming a pretest probability, which in turn could greatly assist inappropriateness of patient referral and in optimization of drug therapy.
For a BNP test or an NT-proBNP test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
If your BNP or NT-proBNP levels were higher than normal, it probably means you have heart failure. Usually, the higher the level, the more serious your condition is.
If your BNP or NT-proBNP results were normal, it probably means your symptoms are not being caused by heart failure. Your provider may order more tests to help make a diagnosis.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
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