Influence of pre-test factors on N terminal-pro-b-type natriuretic peptide detection value

Objective understand the influence of pre-test factors on the N terminal-pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) detection value. Methods Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence for 74 patients with heart failure and for 70 healthy controls using serum samples collected before and after exercise, stored in different containers, with different decoagulant and stored under different conditions. The difference on the detection value was analyzed with SPSS 13.0 software. Results The serum NT-proBNP concentration in healthy controls increased by 10%-20% after walking for 20 minutes (P0.05). The NT-proBNP concentration in glass coagulated tubes was similar to that in plastics coagulated tubes and in heparin lithium anticoagulated tuber, and the NT-proBNP concentrations in these containers were significantly higher than those in the EDTA anticoagulated tubes (P0.05). The serum stored at room temperature for 3 days or frozen thawing for 3 times had no influence on the detection value. Conclusion The serum NT-proBNP concentration would be influenced by the exercise before test and EDTA anticoagulated tubes, it is necessary to conduct standardized operation in test to obtain accurate detection result.