What is the importance of sensitivity over specificity when using NT-proBNP as a rule out for heart failure?
Sensitivity is an important factor when using NT-proBNP as a rule out for heart failure because it is used to determine whether or not a patient has heart failure. The clinical review has demonstrated that NT-proBNP has a greater sensitivity over a range of thresholds compared to BNP. This means that when NT-proBNP is used as a rule out for heart failure, it is more likely to accurately detect patients who do have heart failure, while also minimising the number of false positives. The committee therefore emphasised the importance of sensitivity over specificity when using this test. 