Test Library

Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL plasma

Instructions Collect in EDTA (lavender-top) tube. Separate plasma as soon after collection as possible. Keep refrigerated or frozen after separation.

Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

  • Refrigerated, stable 3 days
  • Frozen 6 months

Reject Criteria Received room temperature

Methodology Electrochemiluminescence

Clinical Significance BNP is used to aid in the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in heart failure. In contrast with BNP, N-terminal pro-BNP does not have interference with the drug Natrecor® used to treat left ventricular dysfunction.