Automated BNP Assay to Diagnose Heart Failure

As it enters the bloodstream, it is cleaved into two fragments: BNP and NT-proBNP. BNP, the molecule measured by the new assay, is the physiologic active molecule that counteracts the deleterious effects of this intra-cardiac pressure. NT-proBNP, on the other hand, is the inactive byproduct of the split.

The assay, from Bayer Diagnostics (Tarrytown, NY, USA), is designed to be run on Bayer's Advia CentaurT immunoassay system. The assay incorporates antibodies supplied by Shionogi & Company Limited (Tokyo, Japan). The rapid high-throughput method takes just 18 minutes to complete and allows BNP measurements to become a routine part of a laboratory testing.

"It is anticipated that BNP will allow a significant triage to take place at the level of general practice with consequent cost savings,” stated Dr. Richard Spooner from North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust (UK), who presented a poster on the assay at the annual meeting of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) in Barcelona (Spain).




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