NT-proBNP has been traditionally utilised as a marker of heart failure (HF) in the acute hospital setting. Due to the non-specific nature of the signs and symptoms of HF and limited access to echocardiography, it has been recognised that diagnosis outside the hospital can be difficult. More recently its usefulness in the risk assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with scleroderma and in monitoring of PAH patients has been recognised. Utility in Heart Failure From 1 July 2008 MBS had a listing for NT-proBNPfor the diagnosis of heart failure in patients presenting with dyspnoea to a hospital Emergency Department only. From 01 November 2024, MBS has a new MBS listing for NT-proBNP measurement for the exclusion of HF in patients in a non-hospital setting to assist clinicians (primarily GPs and cardiologists) in decision-making regarding the clinical necessity of an echocardiogram, where HF is suspected. This testing can be performed once in a 12-month period. Utility In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) From 1 November 2023 MBS listed NT-proBNP measurement in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) to assess risk of PAH. (Maximum of 2 tests in a 12-month period) From 01 July 2024 a new MBS listing has been added for NT-proBNP testing in patients with diagnosed PAH to monitor for disease progression. (Applicable 4 times in any 12-month period) Clinicians can now access NT-proBNP testing in the above clinical settings. To assist in the correct identification of your request it would be helpful if you indicated in which clinical setting you are requesting NT-pro BNP testing eg: Arterial Hypertension, Scleroderma, or Systemic Sclerosis. | 