Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (plasma or whole blood)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turnaround Time: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early heart failure detection — catch cardiac stress before symptoms worsen
- Fast, convenient testing — no doctor's referral needed; results typically within 24 hours
- Monitor treatment progress — track how well your heart responds to therapy
- Reduce hospitalization risk — early detection lowers emergency visits and improves outcomes (AHA 2023)
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in legs/ankles
- Those with diagnosed heart failure monitoring treatment effectiveness
- People at high cardiovascular risk due to hypertension, diabetes, or family history
- Anyone wanting proactive heart health screening without hospital visits
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select your test, pay securely, and schedule your blood draw.
- Visit a lab — Get your blood drawn at any of the 2,000+ convenient lab locations nationwide.
- Receive results — Access results online in your secure account within days.
FAQ
What does the BNP test measure? It measures B-type natriuretic peptide, a hormone your heart releases when under stress or working too hard.
How accurate is this test? BNP testing detects heart failure with over 80% sensitivity and high specificity.
Can other conditions affect BNP levels? Yes — kidney disease, lung conditions, obesity, and certain medications may elevate BNP independently of heart failure.
Is this better than NT-proBNP? Both measure similar peptides; your doctor may prefer one based on your specific clinical situation.
What happens if my results are abnormal? Elevated BNP suggests heart stress requiring follow-up with your physician for further evaluation and treatment planning.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The BNP blood test measures hormone levels your heart produces when chambers are stretched due to increased pressure. This occurs commonly in heart failure when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. Elevated BNP indicates cardiac stress and helps doctors diagnose heart failure, distinguish it from lung problems, and monitor treatment response. The test provides rapid, objective data to guide clinical decisions (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for anyone with symptoms suggesting heart failure — shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, leg swelling, or rapid weight gain. People managing chronic heart conditions benefit from regular monitoring to track disease progression. Those at cardiovascular risk due to hypertension, diabetes, or previous heart attack should consider screening. Direct-to-consumer access makes BNP testing convenient for proactive health management without requiring a hospital visit (National Library of Medicine 2025).
When should I order a B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience unexplained shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or ankles, unusual fatigue, or rapid weight gain. It's appropriate when your doctor suspects heart failure or needs to differentiate cardiac from pulmonary causes of breathlessness. For diagnosed heart failure patients, order periodically to monitor treatment effectiveness. Consider testing before medication adjustments or if symptoms worsen despite current therapy.
How do I interpret the results?
- Below 100 pg/mL – Heart failure unlikely; consider other causes if symptomatic
- 100–400 pg/mL – Mild to moderate heart stress; physician evaluation recommended
- Above 400 pg/mL – Significant heart failure probable; immediate medical consultation needed
Heart failure affects approximately 6.2 million American adults, making BNP testing an essential diagnostic tool (CDC 2023).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for the BNP test. Inform your provider about all medications you're taking, as some drugs may affect BNP levels. Continue your regular medications unless instructed otherwise. Stay hydrated and maintain your normal routine before testing. Blood is drawn into a special plastic tube; the sample must be processed promptly for accurate results.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial heart failure diagnosis – Baseline, then as clinically indicated
- Stable chronic heart failure – Every 3–6 months
- Adjusting medications – 4–6 weeks after changes
- Worsening symptoms – Immediately when symptoms change
Testing frequency depends on your individual clinical situation. Work with your healthcare provider to establish a monitoring schedule that tracks your heart health effectively while avoiding unnecessary tests.
Why early detection matters
Early identification of heart failure through BNP testing significantly improves patient outcomes. Detecting cardiac stress before severe symptoms develop allows timely intervention with medications, lifestyle modifications, and monitoring. BNP-guided therapy reduces hospitalizations and healthcare costs by preventing acute decompensation episodes. Managing blood pressure, following a low-sodium diet, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy weight, and adhering to medications help lower BNP levels and support cardiovascular health (AHA 2023).
Related tests you may consider
NT-proBNP Test — measures a related natriuretic peptide providing complementary heart failure diagnostic information
Lipid Panel— assesses cardiovascular risk through cholesterol and triglyceride measurements
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — evaluates kidney function which affects BNP interpretation
