Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Glucose, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate (CO2), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), and Creatinine.
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures eight different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body's fluid balance , your metabolism (the process your body uses to make energy from food you eat), and how well your kidneys are working. This test is often used to check your general health. A BMP test includes measurements of the following: Glucose , a type of sugar and your body's main energy source. If your glucose level is high, it may be a sign of diabetes . Calcium , one of the body’s most important minerals. Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and heart. It also helps with blood clotting, an important process that prevents you from losing too much blood when you get injured. Sodium , potassium , carbon dioxide , and chloride . These are electrolytes, which are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. They help move nutrients into your cells and waste out. They also help your nerves, muscles, heart, and brain work well. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine , waste products removed from your blood by your kidneys. Abnormal levels of any of these substances or a combination of them can be a sign of a health problem. Other names: BMP, chemistry panel, chemistry screen, chem 7, electrolyte panel
Why is this test ordered? A BMP is often done as part of a regular checkup . This may help your health care provider find health problems before you have any symptoms. You may also need this test if you: Have general symptoms such as fatigue , confusion, breathing problems , or vomiting that lasts a long time Are being treated in the emergency room Are being monitored for a certain chronic (long-lasting) condition, such as high blood pressure or kidney disease
Reference Ranges
Adult reference interval: Individually reported across 8 markers.
| Sodium (Na) | 135 to 145 mEq/L | Key electrolyte for fluid distribution. |
| Potassium (K) | 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L | Critical for cardiac rhythm stability. |
| BUN | 7 to 20 mg/dL | Kidney clearance waste product. |
Reference intervals vary by performing laboratory, assay method, age and sex. Always interpret a result against the interval printed on the report from the laboratory that ran the test.
Clinical Interpretation
If any one result or combination of BMP results were not normal, it could be a sign of several different health conditions. These include kidney disease, breathing problems , and complications from diabetes . You will likely need more tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. To understand what your test results may mean, your provider may also consider your symptoms, your medical history, and the results of other tests you had. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Related ICD-10 Codes
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
- 1
Fasting for 8-12 hours is usually required. Hydrate with water normally.
- 2
Let your doctor know of any blood pressure or diuretic medications.
- 3
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for eight hours before the test.
Usage Guidance
- Minor deviations may occur due to mild hydration changes.
- Individual abnormal readings are evaluated in conjunction with related BMP markers.
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.