Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Serum Lithium Heparin Plasma (paediatrics only)

Minimum volume required

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

Please inform the laboratory if the patient has been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or may have received them for diagnostic purposes.

Sample viability

Turnaround time

This assay is run throughout the day and night. The in-lab turnaround time is normally less than 24 hours.

Reference range

<400 ng/L: Heart failure is less likely in an untreated person. Consider alternative diagnoses, but if clinical suspicion remains high, discuss with a physician with specialist training in heart failure. 400 – 2,000 ng/L: Refer for specialist heart failure assessment and transthoracic echocardiography within 6 weeks. >2,000 ng/L: Urgent referral for specialist heart failure assessment and transthoracic echocardiography within 2 weeks. (Source: Chronic Heart Failure: National Clinical Guideline for Diagnosis and Management in Primary and Secondary Care: Partial Update (2010)) Refer to NICE NG106 for further information.

Clinical guidance

NT pro-BNP may be used as an aid in the diagnosis of of heart failure. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK to learn more about NT-proBNP. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/b-type-natriuretic-peptide-bnp-test

Notes