As I understand it, BNP (esp N-terminal pro-BNP) has a high negative predictive value, and hence performs well as a rule out test. This is useful
in the GP situation as low probability patients will not be referred for echos. This in turn allows the echo slots (a limited resource) to be filled by
patients in whom CCF has not been excluded. There is therefore no saving in terms of echos not performed, but their use becomes better
targeted. New funding is needed to pay for the assay!
Paul
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