This assay is intended for the quantitative determination of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in human serum and plasma. Heart failure is a clinical syndrome characterized by systemic perfusion inadequate to meet the body's metabolic demands as a result of a structural and/or functional cardiac abnormality, resulting in a reduced cardiac output and/or elevated intracardiac pressures at rest or during stress. Left ventricular dysfunction can be one of the functional precursors of heart failure. Several studies have demonstrated the significant role of natriuretic peptide testing, including NT-proBNP, in heart failure management from diagnosis to monitoring, leading to the recommendation to use them in clinical practice by major international guidelines with often highest level of evidence and recommendation.
