Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Point of Care NT-proBNP Testing for Suspected New Heart Failure Acute Care

Heart failure can be serious and tough to diagnose quickly, especially when people arrive at hospital breathless. Getting a fast diagnosis can mean starting treatment sooner, which could lead to better results. This study is testing a new, quicker blood test called NT-proBNP that can give results at the bedside in about 12 minutes, rather than waiting hours for lab results. We want to see if this faster test helps doctors diagnose heart failure more quickly, leads to earlier treatment, shortens hospital stays, and reduces how often people return to hospital soon after. We're also asking healthcare staff what they think of using this new test.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Stirling

Enrolment target

252

Start

30 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Heart Failure

What is this study about?

When people come to hospital feeling very breathless, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition called heart failure. This is when your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. It's really important to find out if it's heart failure quickly, because getting the right treatment early can make a big difference to how well you recover and how long you need to stay in hospital.

Currently, doctors often use a blood test called NT-proBNP to help diagnose heart failure. This test measures a special hormone that your heart releases when it's under stress. However, this blood test usually has to go to a lab, and it can take several hours to get the results back. This wait can sometimes delay doctors from making a clear diagnosis and starting treatment.

This study is looking at a new, faster way to do the NT-proBNP blood test, right by your bedside in the hospital. It's called 'point-of-care testing' and it can give results in about 12 minutes. We want to see if having these results so quickly helps doctors diagnose heart failure faster and get people the treatment they need more promptly. We'll also be looking at whether this quicker testing means people spend less time in hospital and are less likely to need to come back soon after. Plus, we'll ask the nurses and doctors what they think about using this new rapid test in their daily work.

Key takeaways

This study explores a faster blood test for suspected new heart failure.
The new test gives results in about 12 minutes at your bedside, not hours from a lab.
We want to see if quicker results lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.
This could mean shorter hospital stays and better patient outcomes.
The study also looks at what healthcare staff think of using this new rapid test.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. You should have come to the hospital because you're experiencing new shortness of breath that doctors think might be heart failure. It's also important that you are able to understand the study and agree to take part.

You wouldn't be able to join the study if you are under 18, or if you already know you have heart failure. Also, if your doctors think your symptoms are due to a recent heart attack, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you come to hospital with new, unexplained breathlessness?
Have doctors suggested you might have new heart failure?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part?
Do you NOT already have a diagnosis of heart failure?
Is your breathlessness NOT due to a recent heart attack?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is mainly about how quickly doctors get your NT-proBNP blood test results. If you are part of the group receiving the faster test, you will have your blood sample taken at your bedside, and the results will be available within minutes to help your doctors make decisions. Your doctors will continue to provide your usual medical care based on your condition. The study will then look at information from your medical records to see how quickly you were diagnosed, how soon treatment started, and how long you stayed in hospital. This will involve comparing your information with people who were treated before this rapid test was introduced. There are no extra hospital visits or special medicines given as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no major risks to taking part in this study, as you would already be having a blood test as part of your normal hospital care. The potential benefit is that having quicker test results might help your doctors diagnose and start treating heart failure sooner, which could lead to better outcomes for you. However, there's no guarantee this will happen. You have the right to decide not to take part or to leave the study at any time, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Crosshouse
Verified postcode
Kilmarnock, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. It can make you feel very breathless and tired.

What is an NT-proBNP test?

It's a blood test that measures a special hormone. High levels of this hormone can be a sign that your heart is under strain and might indicate heart failure.

How is this study's test different?

Normally, this blood test goes to a lab and takes hours for results. This study is using a quicker version that gives results at your bedside in about 12 minutes.

Will I get special treatment in this study?

No, you will receive the standard medical care your doctors think is best for you. The study is about how quickly test results are available to help guide that care.

What happens if I don't want to take part?

That's absolutely fine. Your medical care will not be affected in any way if you decide not to join the study.