4Cyte Pathology provides NT-proBNP at Nil out-of-pocket charge to patient:

Supporting earlier, more accurate heart failure diagnosis:

1. Exclude heart failure in a timely manner with a high sensitivity and negative predictive value and thus avoid unnecessary echocardiography.

2. Identify patients with a high probability of having heart failure who need further cardiac investigation to confirm diagnosis and initiate treatment.

No Charge to Patient:

• 4Cyte tests NT-proBNP at NIL out of pocket charge to patients with a valid Medicare referral from their doctor.

Australian heart failure guidelines have a strong recommendation for measurement of NT-proBNP levels to aid in the diagnosis of patients with suspected heart failure when diagnosis is uncertain.

In this situation the measurement of NT-proBNP has been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy.

From 1 November 2024, NT-proBNP will be reimbursed under the MBS for “… the exclusion of heart failure to assist in decision making regarding the clinical necessity of an echocardiogram, where heart failure is suspected based on signs and symptoms, but diagnosis is uncertain.”

Test results below 125pg/ml indicate that heart failure is unlikely and physicians should consider another diagnosis.
Test results above 125pg/ml indicate that heart failure is likely and further investigation is required to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

Taylor et al (2017) Br J Gen Pract., 67(655): e102.2
National Heart Foundation of Australia (2018) Heart, Lung and Circulation 27 1123 -1208
MSAC Public Summary Document application no 1740 23 Nov 2023

Ponikowski et at (2016) 37, 2129 - 2200