Cardiac Markers

NT-proBNP

Q: What is the normal range for NT-proBNP?

The standard teaching reference range for NT-proBNP is < 125 (age < 75); < 450 if older pg/mL in conventional units, or < 125 ng/L in SI units. This value is measured in plasma or serum. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

Q: What causes a high NT-proBNP?

Common causes of a high NT-proBNP: Heart failure; Renal impairment; Advanced age.

Q: What causes a low NT-proBNP?

Common causes of a low NT-proBNP: Obesity.

Normal range < 125 (age < 75); < 450 if older pg/mL (< 125 ng/L SI). Specimen: Plasma or serum.

Also known as: N-terminal proBNP.

< 125 (age < 75); < 450 if older pg/mLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for NT-proBNP; those can be narrower than the band shown.

NT-proBNP reference range, specimen, and conversion details
Specimen	Plasma or serum
Conventional range	< 125 (age < 75); < 450 if older pg/mL
SI range	< 125 ng/L
Conversion factor	×1 (conventional → SI)
Panel	Cardiac Markers

Convert any NT-proBNP result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for NT-proBNP?

The standard teaching reference range for NT-proBNP is < 125 (age < 75); < 450 if older pg/mL in conventional units, or < 125 ng/L in SI units. This value is measured in plasma or serum.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

What causes a high NT-proBNP?

Heart failure
Renal impairment
Advanced age

What causes a high NT-proBNP? Read as its own page

Below the range

What causes a low NT-proBNP?

Obesity

What causes a low NT-proBNP? Read as its own page

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

Thresholds rise with age; a low value makes heart failure unlikely.

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