Which one of the following specimen types and collection methods is best for laboratory assessment of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)in the evaluation of congestive heart failure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood or plasma in plastic blood collection tubes is the best specimen type and collection method for laboratory assessment of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the evaluation of congestive heart failure. BNP is stable in EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood or plasma, and plastic blood collection tubes are preferred to avoid contamination by trace amounts of silicone that can interfere with BNP analysis in glass blood collection tubes. Serum is not the preferred specimen as BNP is rapidly degraded after blood clotting. Heparinized plasma can be used, but it may alter BNP stability and assays may not be standardized for use with heparinized samples. Urine is not a suitable specimen for BNP assessment as BNP is not excreted in urine, and urinary metabolites are not useful in the diagnosis or monitoring of congestive heart failure.

Which One of the Following Specimen Types and Collection Methods