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.