B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Testing Information
Sample Type
Plasma
Test Codes
650500
CPT Code
83880
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Architect - Chemiluminescence
Reference Range
≤100 pg/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt at the laboratory.
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one Lavender-top EDTA (minimum whole blood: 3 mL). Keep refrigerated. For delays in transport to the laboratory greater than 24 hours, centrifuge the specimen, transfer at least 1 mL of plasma to a plastic transport tube and freeze. Do not use glass tubes.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, glass EDTA tubes, serum specimens improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Whole Blood EDTA Specimens:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hoursFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptablePlasma Aliquot Specimens:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hoursFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport whole blood EDTA tubes refrigerated (2-8°C) or plasma aliquots frozen (-20°C or below).
Clinical Utility
BNP is primarily used as a diagnostic tool for patients showing symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF).
