: NT-proBNP [Mass Concentration] in Serum or Plasma
: This test measures the amount of NT-proBNP, a hormone fragment released by the heart, in a sample of serum or plasma.
[": NT-proBNP helps doctors evaluate heart strain and is mainly used to assess heart failure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111767-0
- Short code
- NT-proBNP SerPlBld IA-mCnc
- Synonyms
- NT-proBNP SerPlBld IA-mCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 83880
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What Is NT-proBNP?
: NT-proBNP is a piece of a larger hormone called BNP that the heart releases when it is stretched or working harder than usual. Measuring it gives your care team a clue about how much strain your heart may be under.
: Why Is This Test Ordered?
: Your provider may order this test to help check for heart failure, to see whether heart failure is getting worse, or to monitor how well treatment is working. It is often ordered along with a physical exam and other heart tests.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to the lab. The lab measures the NT-proBNP level in the serum or plasma portion of the blood. No special preparation is usually needed, but follow any instructions from your provider.
: What the Results Can Mean
: NT-proBNP levels can rise with heart failure and other conditions that strain the heart. Levels also tend to be higher in older adults and can be affected by kidney function and body weight. Your provider will interpret the result together with your symptoms and other tests rather than relying on a single number.
Reference range
Normal: <100 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: NT-proBNP is a widely used marker for evaluating and monitoring heart failure. A higher level generally suggests more cardiac stress, but results must be interpreted in the context of age, kidney function, and the overall clinical picture. Your provider will explain what your specific result means for you.
Short name
: NT-proBNP
Frequently asked questions
: Does an elevated NT-proBNP always mean heart failure?
: Do I need to fast before this test?
: Can NT-proBNP be used to monitor heart failure treatment?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy