What is a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test?A B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test is a blood test. It measures the levels of a certain type of hormone in your blood called a B-type natriuretic peptide. This test gives your healthcare provider information about your heart.Higher-than-normal levels of BNP in your blood can be a sign that your heart isn’t working as it should. It can mean that your heart isn’t pumping enough blood through your body. Since BNP is cleared by your kidneys, it may also mean that your kidneys are not functioning properly.Some laboratories offer a similar test called “aminoterminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide” (or NT-proBNP). Both the BNP and NT-proBNP tests show similar information, although the absolute values of NT-proBNP are about five to 10 times higher than BNP.Providers use a BNP or an NT-proBNP test to diagnose heart failure. If you already know you have heart failure, your provider may order this test to check the severity (seriousness) of you...
