There has been previous discussion of BNP on the main bulletin board at my
instigation.
I have raised the issue that BNP is a remarkably inappropriate POCT, since
any GP or front line healthcare bod suspicious of heart failure would be
negligent if not requesting renal function tests which must go to the
laboratory. The BNP cannot safely be used as a triage test in isolation.
Having dispatched my hobby horse (only for exercise) I will contribute fully
We are undertaking CHD pilot study for the PCT using BNP to 'reduce' the
costs of follow-up tests.
Basic rules are EDTA and plastic collecting tubes are mandatory
I am aware of four testing systems currently available (in no particular
order)
1 Triage from Axis Shield POCT system - this is reported to have a 30% CV at
the decision level of 100 pg/mL and it appears that 85% of the tests done
using the system in the US are now performed in the laboratory, not as POCT!
2 NT-pro-BNP from Roche - this is assays the N-terminal fragment of the BNP
precursor, and is cleared by the kidneys (?relevant in heart failure ?)
rather than the BNP which clears in the circulation.
3 Nicholls Institute assay
4 Bayer Centaur BNP assay - just released
Costs are of the order of £10-16 per test
I would suggest that interested parties contact Roy Sherwood at King's (see
ACB handbook) as he is doing comparative studies and is a nice guy. Paul
Collinson at St.George's has also covered much ground.
I have a strong suspicion that we will end up with a negative reduction in
the cost of follow-up tests as with Troponin, but at least we will benefit
the patient with undiagnosed HF.
With best wishes
Richard
Biochemistry Department
Queen Mary's Hospital
Sidcup, Kent
DA14 6LT
-----Original Message-----
From: Cook, Tracy [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 12:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: BNP
Dear Jan,
POCT BNP is offered by Triage and marketed by Axis shield in this country,
they provide a CD and some quite good papers etc so if you are interested
they are worth contacting.
Regards
Tracy
POCT Manager
Basildon Hospital
-----Original Message-----
From: Janice Still [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 26 February 2003 11:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: BNP
Is anyone aware of a POCT analysis of BNP?
=====
Mrs. J. Still,
POCT Manager,
Biochemistry Dept,
Watford General Hospital.
The views expressed in this message are personal and do not reflect West
Herts NHS Hospitals Trust policy.
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