Basic Metabolic Panel without Calcium

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].

The results of the panel components are usually evaluated jointly for patterns. The section below outlines the roles of the analytes assessed with this panel [1,2].

Sodium: An electrolyte that plays a central role in maintaining the normal distribution of water and appropriate pressure to assure that substances do not leak from cells and organs. Sodium measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.

Potassium: An electrolyte that is essential for proper muscle and nerve function and helps keep the balance of fluids. Potassium measurements are useful in assessing electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels.

Chloride: An electrolyte that helps maintain volume, acidity, and electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Chloride measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis.

Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate): A type of blood gas used to evaluate the total carbonate buffering system and acid-base balance. Carbon dioxide is generally evaluated with other common electrolytes; the measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with changes in body acid-base balance.

Glucose: A type of sugar that serves as the body's main energy source. Glucose measurements are useful in the diagnosis of diabetes and low blood sugar.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): The principal waste product of protein catabolism. BUN measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of certain kidney and metabolic diseases.

Creatinine: A waste product of the muscles. Creatinine measurements are useful in the evaluation of kidney function and in monitoring renal dialysis.

Creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): A value calculated using serum creatinine measurements and the patient's age and sex to reflect kidney function. eGFR is useful in detecting and monitoring chronic kidney disease in adults.

References
1. Comprehensive metabolic panel. Testing.com. Accessed January 6, 2022. https://www.testing.com/tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/
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. Wolters Kluwer; 2020.