Natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP or BNP) testing is recommended by NICE for expediting the diagnosis of heart failure. Both natriuretic peptide tests have been shown in clinical trials to be robust biomarkers for heart failure with high specificity.
It is estimated that implementing BNP or NTpro-BNP testing across the Oxford AHSN region would save 700 heart failure emergency admissions, reduce length of stay and prevent 1,250 unnecessary tests.
We have established a pilot to look at the test in primary care and acute settings. It is hoped that if successful the pilot will lead to all Trusts in the region wishing to participate.