On Monday, October 15th the clinical laboratories of the Department of Pathology will offer B-Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) testing. BNP is produced mainly in the heart ventricles in response to ventricle volume expansion and pressure overload.

BNP is useful in distinguishing congestive heart failure (CHF) from other disorders with similar presentations such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, BNP levels correlate with the severity of CHF and is useful as a measure of the effectiveness of treatment.

The most appropriate decision level for distinguishing individuals with CHF from those without CHF in patients 55 and older is 100 pg/mL.

The test requires a small EDTA (lavender top) tube. A fingerstick does not provide a sufficient amount of sample. Therefore, fingerstick samples are not acceptable. To order, use a miscellaneous requisition and write BNP. Service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with an expected turnaround time of 1 hour after sample arrives in the laboratory. The charge for the test is $82.85.

References are available upon request. Questions can be directed to Ronald Feld, Ph.D., at 356-1759.