Abbott’s B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test for use on the company’s AxSYM® automated immunoassay instrument system aids in the diagnosis and assessment of severity of heart failure. BNP is a cardiac hormone secreted from the cardiac myocytes (muscle cells) as a response to increased blood pressure and volume overload. Levels of BNP have been shown to be elevated in patients with early signs of cardiac dysfunction and overt heart failure.
     With the addition of BNP in the menu of diagnostic markers offered by Abbott, the company now has a full menu of diagnostic markers used to manage patients with cardiac disease on the AxSYM system, including tests for troponin-I, CK-MB, and myoglobin.

Abbott Laboratories
(800) 323-9100; www.abbott.com