What are the cost implications of using NT-proBNP versus BNP for diagnosing heart failure?
The average cost difference between NT-proBNP and BNP is around 4. Purchase of new equipment for analysing NT-proBNP is not necessary as there are kits available for all main systems. As NT-proBNP is due to come off patent in the near future, it is expected that the cost of NT-proBNP will decrease. Furthermore, as NT-proBNP has a higher sensitivity compared to BNP, there is potential for some offset of the current higher cost of NT-proBNP due to reduced number of false negative results for people being tested with NT-proBNP compared to BNP.