Specifically, the test measures levels of the protein BNP that is made in the heart and blood vessels.
Blood is obtained via a venous or arterial puncture and send to the lab for analysis.
Patients will often experience somesymptoms of heart failurethat would prompt a BNP level.
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NT-proBNP is a non-active prohormone that is released in the same way BNP is.
The NT-proBNP level will also be increased if there are indications of new-onset or worsening heart failure.
Medical professionals still use a BNP as the gold standard bloodwork for heart failure diagnosis.
Some providers may also obtain an atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) level.
This test may not be as indicative of heart failure unless it has progressed to severe.
As a result, the bodys tissues and organs do not get enough nutrients and oxygen.
CHF is failure of the heart muscle and inability to perform properly.
It can affect one or both sides of the heart.
The fluid can also back up into the lungs causingpulmonary edema.
How Does the Test Work?
Researchers have found that a NT-proBNP is the strongest independent predictor of a final diagnosis of acute heart failure.
There are factors that can naturally increase and decrease BNP levels without the presence of heart failure.
For this reason, healthcare providers will assess all symptoms and run other diagnostic tests when warranted.
Risks and Contraindications
There are very few risks or contraindications for a BNP blood test.
These are very minor and often go away almost immediately.
The benefits of the BNP far outweigh any risks.
Timing
The process of obtaining a BNP is rather quick.
Outpatient BNP levels will report to the ordering healthcare provider within several days of the lab being drawn.
It can also be drawn at an outpatient lab such as Quest Diagnostics or LapCorp.
Food and Drink
Patients can eat and drink prior to the bloodwork.
Cost and Health Insurance
A BNP level is generally covered by private and government insurance.
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider and insurance specialist regarding healthcare coverage.
If the BNP is to be drawn in an outpatient setting, insurance might only cover specific laboratory locations.
A needle will be inserted into your arm, and blood will be drawn from it.
The blood drawn will be transferred into the appropriate test tube or vial.
This will allow your veins to become more prominent and easier to see.
Some will also gently slap the vein in order for it to become more prominent.
This entire process is very quick lasting a minute or two.
Labs drawn while admitted as an inpatient require the patient to stay.
Keep the bandage on the site for at least an hour.
If it starts to bleed again, apply pressure and raise the site above your head until it stops.
Some people may experience bruising, especially if more than one attempt is needed to obtain blood.
People who have bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners are also more likely to experience bruising.
As previously mentioned, BNP levels can be affected by numerous factors.
It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider regarding all results and next steps.
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