--- title: NT-proBNP Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/nt-probnp" also_known_as: - nt-probnp - nt probnp - n-terminal pro-bnp - pro-bnp category: Heart Health units: - pg/mL order_price_usd: 224.99 order_item: NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker) order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/nt-probnp-heart-failure-marker" reviewed_at: 2026-09-06 --- # NT-proBNP > NT-proBNP is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 125 pg/mL (age 18–49; more bands below). At TestWell it's $224.99 all-in as NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker), results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis. Also known as: nt-probnp, nt probnp, n-terminal pro-bnp, pro-bnp. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | pg/mL | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | Not required | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Price | $224.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp | ## What does NT-proBNP measure? A hormone fragment released when the heart is stretched. The standard marker of heart-failure status. ## What is the normal range for NT-proBNP? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18–49 | 0.000 – 125 pg/mL | | age 50–75 | 0.000 – 450 pg/mL | | age 76+ | 0.000 – 900 pg/mL | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high NT-proBNP mean? NT-proBNP rises when the heart's chambers are stretched — the hallmark of heart failure, but also raised by atrial fibrillation, kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, older age, sepsis and severe lung disease. A normal result makes heart failure unlikely; a high one is a signal for prompt clinical evaluation and an echocardiogram, not a repeat test. Obesity lowers it, which can mask disease. ### Common causes of high NT-proBNP 1. Heart failure (reduced or preserved ejection fraction) 2. Atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, heart attack 3. Chronic kidney disease (reduced clearance) 4. Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, severe lung disease 5. Older age, sepsis, anemia 6. Entresto (sacubitril) raises BNP but not NT-proBNP ### Symptoms that go with high NT-proBNP - Breathlessness on exertion or lying flat, waking at night gasping - Ankle and leg swelling, weight gain over days - Fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance ### What clinicians usually check next - Bring the result to a clinician promptly — echocardiogram and ECG are the next steps - Kidney function, CBC, TSH - Repeat testing is for monitoring treated heart failure, not for confirming a first elevation Follow-up tests at TestWell: [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) ($21.99), [CBC (Complete Blood Count)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc) ($21.99), [TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh) ($26.99), [TSH + Free T4](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh-with-free-t4) ($27.99). ### Seek care promptly if - Breathlessness at rest, chest pain, fainting or a new irregular pulse — emergency care regardless of the number **What NT-proBNP is normal?** Below 125 pg/mL under 75 and below 450 pg/mL over 75 makes heart failure unlikely. Age-adjusted rule-in thresholds in acute breathlessness are higher (450/900/1800 by age band), which is why the clinical context matters. ## How do you get tested for NT-proBNP? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/nt-probnp-heart-failure-marker) | Single test | $224.99 | This marker | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $224.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $224.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — | Not available in NY/NJ for this test. | ## Common questions about NT-proBNP ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my nt-probnp? No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor. ### How long does it take to get NT-proBNP results? Most NT-proBNP results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a NT-proBNP test cost? Our NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker) starts at $224.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my NT-proBNP test? Fasting is not required for the NT-proBNP test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day. ### Which lab will process my NT-proBNP test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [American Heart Association](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Natriuretic Peptide Tests (BNP, NT-proBNP)](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/natriuretic-peptide-tests-bnp-nt-probnp/) ## Related biomarkers - [Apolipoprotein B](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/apolipoprotein-b) - [Lipoprotein(a)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lipoprotein-a) - [Homocysteine](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/homocysteine) - [LDL Particle Number](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-number) - [Small LDL Particle](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/small-ldl-particle) - [LDL Particle Size](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ldl-particle-size) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/nt-probnp Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.