Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

Beta-Natriuretic Peptide, BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) Test

Results

A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test measures the amount of the BNP hormone in the blood. Normal values of BNP vary widely among labs and depend on the method used for measurement.

Brain natriuretic peptide

Normal:	0–99 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or 0-99 nanograms per liter (ng/L) SI units. No heart failure is present.
Abnormal:	100–300 pg/mL or 100-300 ng/L (SI units) suggests heart failure may be present.
	300 pg/mL or 300 ng/L (SI units) or higher is considered mild heart failure.
	600 pg/mL or 600 ng/L (SI units) or higher is considered moderate heart failure.
	900 pg/mL or 900 ng/L (SI units) or higher is considered severe heart failure.

The amount of a related substance, called N-terminal pro brain-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), may be measured instead of BNP. The results from the NT-proBNP test are different than those from the BNP test but provide similar information. In some cases this test can diagnose heart failure in a person who does not have obvious heart failure symptoms.

High values

A high value of BNP in the blood:

• Indicates an increased amount of fluid or high pressure inside the heart.
• Indicates a higher chance of death in people with heart failure.
• May show early heart failure in people on kidney dialysis.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 19, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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