A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a blood test that measures your body’s electrolyte and fluid balance, as well as your kidney and liver function. It is often ordered as part of a routine physical exam or when your doctor suspects you may have a medical condition that affects your metabolism.
What is Included in a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?
A basic metabolic panel typically includes tests for:
- Glucose (blood sugar)
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
Why is a Basic Metabolic Panel Ordered?
A basic metabolic panel is ordered to evaluate your overall health and to diagnose and monitor conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.
Why Do I Need a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?
A basic metabolic panel is an important tool for your doctor to assess your overall health and to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect your metabolism. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.
What is the Difference Between a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a more comprehensive test than a basic metabolic panel (BMP). A CMP includes all of the tests included in a BMP, as well as tests for other substances such as albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and total protein.
Who Performs a Basic Metabolic Panel Test?
A basic metabolic panel test is typically performed by a medical laboratory technician or a phlebotomist.
Do I Need to Fast for a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?
Yes, you will need to fast for 8-12 hours before your basic metabolic panel test.
What Should I Expect During a Basic Metabolic Panel Blood Test?
During a basic metabolic panel blood test, a medical professional will draw a sample of your blood. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What Should I Expect After My Basic Metabolic Panel Blood Test?
After your basic metabolic panel blood test, you may experience some minor bruising or discomfort at the site of the blood draw. This should resolve within a few days.
What are the Risks of a Basic Metabolic Panel Blood Test?
The risks of a basic metabolic panel blood test are minimal. The most common risk is minor bruising or discomfort at the site of the blood draw.
When Can I Expect the Results of My Basic Metabolic Panel Test?
The results of your basic metabolic panel test will typically be available within 1-2 days.
What Do the Results of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) Mean?
The results of a basic metabolic panel test will provide your doctor with information about your electrolyte and fluid balance, as well as your kidney and liver function. Abnormal results may indicate the presence of a medical condition that affects your metabolism.
Should I Be Concerned if I Have Abnormal Basic Metabolic Panel Test Results?
If you have abnormal basic metabolic panel test results, you should discuss them with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to provide more information about what the results mean and what treatment options are available.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Basic metabolic panel. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/basic-metabolic-panel/about/pac-20393510
- Lab Tests Online. (2020). Basic metabolic panel. Retrieved from https://labtestsonline.org/tests/basic-metabolic-panel
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Basic metabolic panel. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/basic-metabolic-panel/
Keywords: basic metabolic panel, BMP, comprehensive metabolic panel, CMP, blood test, electrolyte, fluid balance, kidney, liver, glucose, calcium, chloride, carbon dioxide, potassium, sodium, BUN, creatinine.