Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a common blood test that provides important insight into your kidney function, blood sugar levels, electrolyte balance, and fluid status. It helps assess how well key systems in your body are working and can detect early signs of metabolic or kidney-related conditions.

What Does a BMP Test For?

The Basic Metabolic Panel helps evaluate:

• Kidney health and function
• Blood sugar levels
• Electrolyte and fluid balance
• Metabolic and acid-base balance

It is commonly used during routine physical exams, hospital stays, or to monitor chronic conditions.

Significant changes in results may point to conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, dehydration, heart rhythm abnormalities, or metabolic imbalances.

What Is Included in a Basic Metabolic Panel?

A BMP measures the following components:

• Calcium: Calcium plays an important role in bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Abnormal calcium levels may be linked to kidney problems or metabolic conditions.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): This test helps evaluate your body’s acid-base balance. Carbon dioxide levels are regulated by the lungs and kidneys and may indicate kidney disease or respiratory issues when abnormal.
• Chloride: Chloride is a key electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance. Elevated or low levels may suggest kidney or adrenal gland disorders.
• Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle activity and filtered by the kidneys. eGFR estimates how efficiently your kidneys are working.
  • An eGFR of 90 or higher is considered normal
  • An eGFR below 60 may indicate reduced kidney function
  • An eGFR below 15 suggests kidney failure
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and BUN-to-Creatinine Ratio: BUN measures waste from protein metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels or an abnormal BUN-to-creatinine ratio may signal reduced blood flow to the kidneys or impaired kidney function.
• Glucose: This test measures blood sugar levels. High glucose levels may indicate diabetes or poor blood sugar control and can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels over time.
• Potassium: Potassium supports normal heart rhythm, muscle movement, and nerve function. Abnormal potassium levels are commonly associated with kidney disease and can affect heart health.
• Sodium: Sodium helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function. Low or high sodium levels may be linked to dehydration, kidney issues, heart failure, or hormonal imbalances.

Who Should Consider This Test?

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a useful blood test for adults who want to better understand their overall metabolic and kidney health.

You may consider this test if you:

• Want a routine check of kidney function, blood sugar, and electrolytes
• Have a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or metabolic disorders
• Are managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease
• Take medications that may affect kidney function or electrolyte balance
• Have symptoms such as fatigue, dehydration, muscle cramps, weakness, or irregular heartbeat
• Have recently been hospitalized or ill and want to monitor recovery
• Want baseline lab results to support preventive health care
• This test is commonly ordered during annual physical exams and is appropriate for most adults as part of ongoing health monitoring.

Convenient, No-Appointment Testing

To complete your test:

1. Order online through our website
2. Use the lab locator to find a nearby testing location
3. Walk in; no appointment required
4. Access your results securely in your HealthLabs.com account within one to three business days

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