Measurement Nt-proBNP circulating concentrations in heart failure patients with a new point-of-care assay.

Background: BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) and Nt-proBNP (N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide) are valuable markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF). The AQT90 FLEX is a newly released random access analyzer for point-of-care (POCT) measurement. The aim of our study was to determine Nt-pro-BNP concentrations in HF patients with the POCT assay.
Methods: Nt-proBNP levels were measured in seventy seven HF patients and in thirty seven healthy volunteers. The results were compared with a central laboratory assay.
Results: Nt-proBNP levels measured with the AQT90 FLEX were significantly correlated with the comparison Nt-proBNP assay and were related to HF severity.
Conclusions: Nt-proBNP testing with the AQT 90 FLEX analyzer is comparable to the central lab assay and may offer the advantages of POCT testing for the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure.