New Rapid Cardiac Biomarker Test for the Management of Heart Failure

Alere International has announced the launch of its new Triage® NT-proBNP test. Used in conjunction with clinical assessment, the NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide) test is a useful biomarker in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure. The new test expands Alere’s market leading point of care Triage® cardiovascular testing solutions.

Heart failure can often be confused with other conditions, such as lung disease, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important to ensure the most appropriate treatment and care is in place. BNP (b-type natriuretic peptide) and NT-proBNP levels can help doctors differentiate between heart failure and other problems, since the level of natriuretic peptides in the blood increases as chronic heart failure advances.

The Alere™ Triage NT-proBNP test can aid clinical professionals: diagnosing individuals suspected of having heart failure; assessing the risk of patients with heart failure; assessing the risk of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS); and assessing the increased risk for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who are also at risk of heart failure.

“Alere remains committed to the development of tools to manage cardiovascular care,” explained Colleen Hobbs, Global Product Director, Heart Failure. “The addition of NT-proBNP to the Triage family further supports our approach. Alere is proud to be the first manufacturer to offer both assays, BNP and NT-proBNP, on a point-of-care system, offering our customers convenience in choosing the test that is right for their practice setting.”

The Alere Triage NT-proBNP Test is CE marked, which expresses conformity with the requirements of the European IVD Directive and allows distribution within the European Union. The test is now available for commercial sale in Europe and will soon be available in many other countries around the world. A timeline for USA availability will be established shortly.