Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)

BNP is ordered if you have signs of heart failure. This test is usually done in the emergency room or hospital.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) Overview

Reviewed: April 22, 2014
Updated: 

The heart makes Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The level of BNP rises during heart failure. BNP levels go up when the heart cannot pump the way it should.

BNP is measured in picogram/milliliter (pg/mL). The normal range for BNP is 0–99 pg/mL.

Technique

Blood draw

Preparation

No fasting is required before the test

What the results mean

A result greater than 100 pg/mL is abnormal. The higher the number, the more likely heart failure is present and the more severe it is.

In general, results less than 100pg/mL are a sign the patient does not have heart failure.