The Problem of Inaccurate Assessments in Commercially Available Tests

The Problem of Inaccurate Assessments in Commercially Available Tests

The Problem of Inaccurate Assessments in Commercially Available Tests. In the case study about MSIA and BNP described in one of this week’s lectures and readings (Niederkofler et al., 2008), there was clear demonstration that the available tests for measuring BNP in the blood measures several species of BNP, including inactive forms. The results from these commercially available, FDA-approved tests can lead to an inaccurate assessment of active BNP levels which could preclude heart failure patients from receiving BNP treatment which could relieve the symptoms of severe heart failure. Basically the BNP test is potentially putting heart failure patients at risk of further suffering and possible death. Please share your thoughts on why these commercially available tests were approved by the FDA and what you think should be done to avoid this type of problem in the future.