BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)

<p><b>BNP levels alone are not diagnostic for heart failure</b> but should be used only as an initial test to guide the diagnostic evaluation in patients with dyspnea of uncertain etiology. BNP levels should not be used to follow a patient's clinical course. There is no benefit to following BNP levels during a hospitalization to determine if diuresis has been adequate. Additionally, routine use of BNP measurement in outpatients with heart failure is not helpful for determining if a patient is fluid overloaded.</p>