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BNP and NT-proBNP
Also known as: b-type natriuretic peptide, proBNP Formal name: Brain natriuretic peptide, N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide Related tests: Cardiac Biomarkers
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?These tests measure the concentration of BNP or NT-proBNP in the blood. When the heart is stressed, it produces a precursor, pro-BNP, which is cleaved to release the active hormone BNP and an inactive fragment, NT-proBNP. Both BNP and NT-proBNP are produced mainly in the heart’s left ventricle (the organ’s main pumping chamber). Your heart releases them as a natural response to heart failure, to hypotension (when your heart is not strong enough to pump enough oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to meet your body's needs), when the heart itself does not get enough oxygen (with angina and heart attack), and when the left ventricle has been “stretched” too much (hypertrophy) from the accumulation of blood and fluid.
How is the sample collected for testing?
Blood is taken by needle from a vein in your arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
September 2, 2005.
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