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Feb 29, 2024 · A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a blood test that checks the levels of different substances in your blood. These substances are all involved in metabolism, or the body’s process of turning...
Apr 29, 2024 · The following chart offers an example of normal ranges for BMP results. The units include milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) for calcium, BUN, creatinine, and glucose and milliequivalents per liter of blood (mEq/L) for sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate.
- Overview
- What is a BMP?
- What is it used for?
- Why is it needed?
- What happens during the test?
- Risks
- Results
- Basic metabolic panel vs. complete metabolic panel
- When to speak with a doctor
- Frequently asked questions
A BMP is a blood test that measures eight different chemicals that occur naturally in the blood. It can inform doctors about electrolytes, fluid balance, glucose levels, and other markers of a person’s health.
This article discusses a BMP, its uses, why a person may need it, and what happens during the test. It also considers the risks, results, and how it compares with a comprehensive metabolic test (CMP).
A BMP is a blood test that provides doctors with information about the body’s levels of electrolytes, fluid balance, and kidney function.
Healthcare workers usually perform these tests on the plasma part of the blood.
The test measures eight different chemicals in the blood:
•Electrolytes: Carbon dioxide, sodium, potassium, and chloride. These electrically charged minerals help control the balance of acids and bases and the level of fluids in the body.
•Calcium: This is an essential mineral that helps keep the heart, nerves, and muscles functioning properly.
•Glucose: The body’s main energy source.
A doctor can use a BMP to check various body functions. These include:
•balance of fluids and electrolytes
•metabolism
•kidney function
•blood sugar levels
•balance of acid and base (Ph) levels
A doctor may perform a BMP as part of a regular health checkup. A person may also need a BMP if a doctor monitors them for particular chronic conditions, such as kidney disease or high blood pressure, or if doctors treat them in an emergency room.
If a person has abnormal levels of any of the eight substances in a BMP test, they may be at risk of a serious health issue.
A person will experience the following during a BMP blood test:
1.A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, will insert a small needle into a vein in a person’s arm.
2.They will collect a blood sample into a vial or test tube, which typically takes less than 5 minutes and may cause a slight stinging feeling.
3.The healthcare professional will send the blood sample to a lab for analysis.
Risks for a blood test are minimal. An individual may experience slight bruising or a little pain at the injection site, but these symptoms typically go away quickly. Some people may feel faint for a little while after the test.
BMP results will become available after analysis at a laboratory, which can take a few days.
If a BMP reveals that a person has abnormal levels of any of the chemicals measured, it could indicate various medical conditions. These include:
•diabetes
•kidney failure
•breathing issues
Following abnormal results, a doctor may order further tests to determine what is affecting the person and how best to treat them.
A complete or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is similar to a BMP, except it measures 14 substances instead of eight in the blood.
Alongside the eight chemicals a BMP measures, a CMP also looks at levels of:
•Total protein: The total amount of protein present in the blood.
•Bilirubin: A waste product the liver produces.
•Albumin: A protein the liver produces.
•Enzymes the liver produces: Examples include alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
A person can discuss whether a BMP would be appropriate with a healthcare professional. Otherwise, a doctor may suggest a BMP to help evaluate a person’s health status.
Should people fast for a basic metabolic panel test?
Sometimes, a healthcare professional may ask a person to avoid eating or drinking for 8 hours before the test. A doctor will inform a person if they need to fast.
Is it concerning to have an abnormal BMP test result?
Abnormal results could be due to various reasons, including side effects of medicines. The doctor will discuss the results of each test with the individual and may perform or order further tests to determine what is affecting them.
Mar 14, 2024 · A basic metabolic panel is a routine blood test that provides important information about your body's metabolism, electrolyte balance, kidney function, and acid-base balance. The results of a BMP offer valuable insights into various aspects of your health.
People also ask
What is a metabolic panel?
What is a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?
What is a comprehensive metabolic panel blood test?
What is BMP chemistry panel Chem 7 electrolyte panel?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a test that measures eight different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metabolism is the process of how the body uses food and energy.
Basic metabolic panel can point to diabetes, heart or kidney troubles. Your metabolism affects more than your girth, says family medicine physician Daniel Allan, MD. A basic metabolic panel (BMP) shows how well your body keeps all systems humming. Advertisement. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
This blood test gives information about your body's metabolism, or how your body uses food for energy. It gives a snapshot of the health of your kidneys, your blood sugar levels, and the levels of key electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium.
