BNP / NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker)
The BNP/NT-proBNP test measures heart failure biomarkers to help diagnose heart failure and assess cardiac function when individuals experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain.
Order this test
LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its related fragment NT-proBNP are hormones released by the heart, primarily from the left ventricle, when the muscle walls are stretched or strained beyond their normal workload. The more the heart struggles to pump effectively, the more BNP it produces. Once released, BNP signals the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water, reducing blood volume, and prompts blood vessels to relax and widen, both of which ease the burden on the heart.
This self-regulating mechanism makes BNP a direct biochemical reflection of how hard the heart is working. Major cardiology guidelines recognize BNP and NT-proBNP as the most reliable blood markers for evaluating heart failure and cardiac dysfunction. The test is used to help diagnose heart failure, assess its severity, guide treatment decisions, and monitor how well a patient is responding to therapy. Elevated levels can also occur in other conditions that stress the heart, including pulmonary embolism, kidney disease, and sepsis.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or swelling in the legs or ankles should consider this test as these symptoms may indicate heart failure.
- Those with a personal or family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or previous heart attacks may benefit from BNP/NT-proBNP testing to assess cardiac function.
- Patients who have been hospitalized for cardiovascular issues or who take medications for heart conditions should consider this test to monitor their heart health.
- Individuals over 65 years of age may find this test valuable for early detection of heart failure, as the risk increases with age.
- People with kidney disease, obesity, or other conditions that can affect heart function should discuss this test with their healthcare provider as these factors can influence results.
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is needed for this test. Individuals may eat normally and continue taking their regular medications unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.
Sample Type
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a standard needle. The process typically takes just a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
Collection
At the lab location, staff will verify patient identification, clean the arm area, and draw blood into specialized tubes. The sample is then processed for analysis.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-2 business days and will be securely delivered through the patient portal.
Understanding your results
BNP and NT-proBNP levels are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or picomoles per liter, depending on the assay. In general, normal or low levels in a person with symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling make heart failure an unlikely explanation, which can be just as clinically useful as a positive finding. Elevated levels, on the other hand, correlate with the degree of cardiac stress and help healthcare providers gauge severity. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms, imaging studies (such as echocardiography), kidney function, and other diagnostic information, since BNP alone does not diagnose the specific cause of cardiac strain.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (BNP) | Less than 100 pg/mL | Normal range for adults; levels above may suggest heart dysfunction |
| Adults under 75 years (NT-proBNP) | Less than 125 pg/mL | Normal range for younger adults |
| Adults over 75 years (NT-proBNP) | Less than 450 pg/mL | Age-adjusted normal range for older adults |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.
What does a “Low” result mean?
If a person with shortness of breath has normal BNP or NT-proBNP levels, heart failure can usually be ruled out. Normal or low levels typically indicate good heart function and suggest that cardiac causes are unlikely to be responsible for symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue. However, individuals with obesity may have falsely low levels, and those taking certain heart medications may have levels in the normal range despite having treated heart failure.
What does a “High” result mean?
BNP levels over 100 pg/mL and NT-proBNP levels over 900 pg/mL may be signs of heart failure. Your healthcare provider will need to do other tests to confirm the diagnosis. In general, the higher the level, the more serious heart failure may be. Elevated levels may also be associated with other conditions including kidney disease, lung disorders, or recent heart attack. The degree of elevation often correlates with the severity of cardiac dysfunction and can help guide treatment decisions.
Privacy & confidentiality
All BNP/NT-proBNP test results are completely confidential and protected under HIPAA regulations. Results are not shared with insurance companies, will not appear on insurance explanations of benefits, and are not automatically added to medical records unless individuals choose to share them with their healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
Heart Health Panel
Comprehensive cardiovascular assessment including cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors
View TestLipid Panel
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels that affect cardiovascular health and heart failure risk
View TestComprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Kidney function assessment important for interpreting BNP/NT-proBNP results
View TestDiabetes Panel
Diabetes management is crucial for heart health and cardiovascular risk reduction
View TestRelated conditions
Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 83880
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
Order this test
Choose your preferred lab
LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
Not sure if this is the right test? Contact our care team for guidance.
This page is intentionally kept stable and machine-readable so that researchers, clinicians, and AI systems can rely on it as a reference. See our Citation Policy.