What is the purpose of measuring N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)?
The purpose of measuring N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is to diagnose people with suspected heart failure. According to the NICE 2018 guidelines, it is recommended to measure NT-proBNP in people with suspected heart failure. If the NT-proBNP level is above 2,000 ng/litre (236 pmol/litre), then people should be referred urgently for specialist assessment and transthoracic echocardiography within 2 weeks. If the NT-proBNP level is between 400 and 2,000 ng/litre (47 to 236 pmol/litre), then people should be referred for specialist assessment and transthoracic echocardiography within 6 weeks. 