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Basic Metabolic Panel
Test CodeBMP
Includes
Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine, Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Patient Preparation
Fasting specimen is preferred
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Heparinized plasma
Transport Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Transport Temperature
Ambient
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
See individual tests
Methodology
See individual tests
Setup Schedule
24/7
Report Available
Same day
Limitations
None
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Clinical Significance
This panel comprises a group of 8 specific tests that provide information on the status of an individual’s blood electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney status, and acid-base balance. The panel is usually ordered as part of a routine health examination or physical [1,2].
The Basic Metabolic Panel is also commonly ordered during hospital and emergency-room admission, and to monitor the metabolism and vital signs of hospitalized individuals with conditions, such as hypertension, who are being treated with diuretics or other appropriate interventions. [1,2].
Significant changes in electrolytes, acid-base balance, renal function, and blood glucose may be associated with kidney failure, respiratory distress, and impaired cognitive status. Changes in sodium, potassium, and calcium alter the excitability of neurons, cardiac, and skeletal muscles that can produce arrhythmias, weakness, and spasms/tremors [2].
Basic metabolic panel test results are usually evaluated in conjunction with one another for patterns of results. A single abnormal test result could be indicative of something different than if more than 1 of the test results are abnormal. Many conditions can cause abnormal results, including kidney failure, respiratory distress, and diabetes-related complications [2].
The section below outlines the roles of the analytes assessed with this panel [2].
Sodium: Plays a central role in maintaining the normal distribution of water and osmotic pressure.
Potassium: Essential for proper muscle and nerve function.
Chloride: Helps keep the balance of fluids, maintain blood volume, stabilize blood pressure, and balance the pH of body fluids.
CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate): Used to evaluate the total carbonate buffering system and acid-base balance.
Glucose: A critical energy source for cells and organs. Used to diagnose diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Calcium: Essential for nerve, muscle, and heart functions and bone formation.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen): Evaluation of kidney function.
Creatinine: Useful for diagnosis of renal insufficiency and estimation of glomerular filtration rate.
References
1. American Association of Clinical Chemistry. Basic metabolic panel. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/basic-metabolic-panel-bmp. Accessed February 5, 2020.
2. Rao LV, et al. Laboratory tests. In Rao LV, eds. Wallach’s Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis. 11th ed. New York, NY: Wolters Kluwer; 2020, 6-463.
The Basic Metabolic Panel is also commonly ordered during hospital and emergency-room admission, and to monitor the metabolism and vital signs of hospitalized individuals with conditions, such as hypertension, who are being treated with diuretics or other appropriate interventions. [1,2].
Significant changes in electrolytes, acid-base balance, renal function, and blood glucose may be associated with kidney failure, respiratory distress, and impaired cognitive status. Changes in sodium, potassium, and calcium alter the excitability of neurons, cardiac, and skeletal muscles that can produce arrhythmias, weakness, and spasms/tremors [2].
Basic metabolic panel test results are usually evaluated in conjunction with one another for patterns of results. A single abnormal test result could be indicative of something different than if more than 1 of the test results are abnormal. Many conditions can cause abnormal results, including kidney failure, respiratory distress, and diabetes-related complications [2].
The section below outlines the roles of the analytes assessed with this panel [2].
Sodium: Plays a central role in maintaining the normal distribution of water and osmotic pressure.
Potassium: Essential for proper muscle and nerve function.
Chloride: Helps keep the balance of fluids, maintain blood volume, stabilize blood pressure, and balance the pH of body fluids.
CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate): Used to evaluate the total carbonate buffering system and acid-base balance.
Glucose: A critical energy source for cells and organs. Used to diagnose diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Calcium: Essential for nerve, muscle, and heart functions and bone formation.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen): Evaluation of kidney function.
Creatinine: Useful for diagnosis of renal insufficiency and estimation of glomerular filtration rate.
References
1. American Association of Clinical Chemistry. Basic metabolic panel. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/basic-metabolic-panel-bmp. Accessed February 5, 2020.
2. Rao LV, et al. Laboratory tests. In Rao LV, eds. Wallach’s Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis. 11th ed. New York, NY: Wolters Kluwer; 2020, 6-463.