NT-proBNP is a key biomarker for the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostic assessment of heart failure. While point-of-care NT-proBNP analysers have been validated in adults, correlation data in paediatric populations are limited.

To assess the correlation, kinetics, diagnostic performance, and turnaround time of a point-of-care NT-proBNP analyser compared with reference laboratory measurements in paediatric patients.

We conducted a single-centre prospective study including patients younger than 18 years hospitalised in a paediatric cardiology department who required NT-proBNP measurement for routine clinical management. NT-proBNP values obtained using a point-of-care analyser (LumiraDx®) were compared with reference laboratory measurements. Correlation was assessed using Spearman's coefficient. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using age-adjusted NT-proBNP reference values. Turnaround times and NT-proBNP kinetics were analysed in patients with repeated measurements.

A total of 79 NT-proBNP measurements were obtained from 59 patients. Correlation between two methods was excellent (Spearman's r = 0.985, P < 0.0001). Diagnostic performance was high, with a sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 96%. Agreement was high ( κ = 0.97). NT-proBNP kinetic trends were concordant within individual patients ( Fig. 1 ). Median turnaround time was 126 minutes for the reference laboratory method compared with 12 minutes for the point-of-care analyser.

Point-of-care NT-proBNP testing demonstrates excellent correlation with reference laboratory method, reliable diagnostic performance, and substantial time savings. This approach represents a valuable tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of paediatric heart failure and may facilitate therapeutic decision-making in specialised clinical settings.