BASIC METABOLIC PANEL (BMP)

What is a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a blood test that defines the general health condition of your body. A BMP test helps to understand the functions of metabolism and different chemicals in the body. A BMP test may indicate several diseases that include kidney, bone, acid-base problems, electrolytes, or diabetes. Your healthcare provider recommends this test if you are experiencing the symptoms of these diseases.
 
Does this test have other names?

Chemistry panel, Electrolyte panel, chemistry screen

What are the components of a BMP Test? 

A BMP test is a series of tests that measure eight different substances, which include
 

• Glucose – It is a significant source of energy for your body. Glucose is a type of blood sugar. Its high level may lead to diabetes. 

 

• Calcium – An essential mineral for the development of bones and teeth. Large quantities of calcium deposit in your bones, but your blood needs it too. Calcium helps regulate the nerves, heart, and muscles. It utilizes for blood clotting.  

Kidney tests

Two kidney tests, such as:
 

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) – This component specifies the quantities of urea nitrogen level in blood. Blood urea nitrogen is a waste material your kidneys remove from your blood. 

 

• Creatinine – It is a waste product produced by creatinine. It develops during the regular activity of the muscles. A creatinine test indicates the function of the kidney.

Electrolyte tests

A BMP test also determines the levels of electrolytes in your blood. Electrolytes are minerals found in the blood as dissolved salts and are responsible for converting nutrients to cells. They also eliminate waste from the body and maintain the acid-base balance (pH balance). Here are four electrolyte components as follows:
 

• Sodium – Sodium maintains the body's function, specifically for nerves and muscles. People generally intake sodium from the food they eat. Your kidneys are responsible for maintaining the sodium levels in your body. 

 

• Potassium – It transfers signals from the nerve to the muscles. Potassium plays a vital role in the metabolism of cells. It also comes from the food you eat.

 

• Bicarbonate – It controls the pH level of your body and shows the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. 

 

• Chloride – It balances the acid-base level in the body. A chloride regulates the amount of fluid throughout the body.

Abnormal levels of these elements can indicate symptoms of health problems. 

What is the purpose of this test?

A BMP test provides complete knowledge about the functions of the body and its conditions. A basic comprehensive metabolic panel test helps evaluate the functions and processes of the following 
 

• Acid-base balance in the blood
• Kidney
• Blood protein level
• Metabolism
• Electrolytes and fluid balance
• Blood sugar level

When do I need a BMP test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend the basic metabolic panel (BMP) test for various significant causes. A BMP test measures levels of eight different substances in your body. It is a routine test. 

Your doctor recommends this test when you experience symptoms of a kidney, heart, muscles, and diabetes. You may also need to conduct the test if you get treatment in the emergency room or your doctor monitors for any chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or kidney disease.

Your provider may also suggest a basic metabolic panel test if you experience these symptoms

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Frequent vomiting
• Breath problems

How to prepare for the test?

You may need to keep fast for at least 8 to 10 hours and can only drink water during this time. Your healthcare provider may instruct you to follow specific instructions if needed.

What happens during a basic metabolic panel test?

Your healthcare provider will ask you to provide a blood sample. A needle injects into a vein in your arm. A small amount of blood collects in a test tube. Your provider applies a bandage to your vein where the needle injects. BMP blood test does not take time greater than 5 minutes. 

What are the risks of the test?

A BMP is a blood test that possesses a low risk. People can experience a slight pain or bruise at the position where the needle goes into their vein. These signs do not stay last for long. 

What do the test results of a BMP mean?

A BMP test gives a complete report of high or low levels of minerals, enzymes, electrolytes, and chemicals in your body. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if you have one or more abnormal results that may indicate specific diseases, such as breathing problems, kidney disease, and problems related to diabetes.  

A basic metabolic panel test helps diagnose these conditions, such as

• Dehydration
• Kidney failure (renal failure)
• Hypoglycemia (a condition having low blood sugar)

What factors may affect the test results?

Some factors that may affect your test results, such as the use of specific medications, diet, and health problems. You do not always have a medical problem if any of your BMP test results are not under recommended range. Your provider may ask you about your medical history and current health conditions to give remarks about your results. 

If you are looking for an online basic metabolic panel BMP Test, you can place the order at UmbrellaMD. You can book your appointment with a doctor to understand the test results. Umbrella Health Care Systems is an online healthcare platform that offers a wide range of services, including laboratory tests, medical imaging, an appointment with a doctor, and pharmacies. You can register here to learn more about our system.