TY - JOUR T1 - The B-type natriuretic peptide assay: A rapid test for heart failure JF - Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO - Cleve Clin J Med SP - 243 LP - 251 VL - 69 IS - 3 AU - W. Frank Peacock IV Y1 - 2002/03/01 UR - http://www.ccjm.org/content/69/3/243.abstract N2 - The B-type or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay, a 15-minute bedside blood test, is highly sensitive and fairly specific for diagnosing heart failure and is useful in evaluating suspected heart failure in outpatients and in emergency care. Other uses include screening for left ventricular dysfunction and predicting outcome in patients with an established diagnosis of heart failure or myocardial infarction. ER -