What a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) Measures

Patty Weasler, RN, BSN
·5 min read

Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a group of eight common blood tests that examine several body functions. It is similar to a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), but the BMP includes fewer tests.

This article will discuss the tests included in a BMP and what are considered normal and abnormal results. It will also cover the scenarios leading to someone needing a BMP.

<p>Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health</p>

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

Why Providers Order a Basic Metabolic Panel

A BMP is a blood test given to check how various body systems are functioning. A healthcare provider may order a BMP during a regular checkup, to monitor certain health conditions, or you may get one during a visit to a hospital emergency department.

The body functions that a BMP check include:

  • Acid and base balance (pH)

  • Blood sugar levels

  • Electrolytes (molecules that carry an electric charge)

  • Kidney function

  • Metabolism

BMP Components

Eight tests are covered in a BMP. They are:

  • Bicarbonate (electrolyte form of carbon dioxide)

  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

  • Calcium

  • Chloride

  • Creatinine

  • Glucose

  • Potassium

  • Sodium

Following are details about each test and what the results can mean.

Electrolytes

The electrolytes covered in a BMP are:

  • Calcium: As an electrolyte, calcium is crucial for the functions of the heart, muscles, and nerves. The calcium level is used to monitor conditions that affect the kidneys, bones, digestion, and thyroid gland.

  • Sodium: Sodium aids in controlling the amount of fluids in the body and maintains a balance of pH (measurement of how acidic or basic a fluid or substance is). High sodium levels can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention.

  • Potassium: Potassium is crucial for the functioning of cells, nerves, muscles, and the heart. Potassium levels can be low due to diuretic use or high due to poor kidney function.

  • Bicarbonate: Bicarbonate is an electrolyte form of carbon dioxide. It helps maintain the body's pH. High levels of bicarbonate could indicate lung or kidney dysfunction.

  • Chloride: Chloride levels will indicate fluid and pH levels in the body.

Kidney Function

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine are two tests that provide information about kidney functions, as follows:

  • BUN: This test shows the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. This level can rise when the kidneys are not working effectively enough to remove waste from the blood.

  • Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product normally produced by the breakdown of muscle tissue. When creatinine levels are high, the kidneys are not filtering or working as they should.

Other

Glucose is the body's main source of energy. A glucose blood test, also known as a blood sugar test, will show how the body uses glucose. High levels of glucose could indicate diabetes.



Difference Between a BMP and CMP

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood panel that includes the eight tests in a BMP and an additional six tests. The additional tests are:



Fasting Before a Basic Metabolic Panel

It is common for a healthcare provider to request fasting for eight to 12 hours before a BMP. The BMP includes tests that will be impacted by the food or drink in a person's system.

Fasting before a blood test means no food or drink, except water, before the test. It is important to drink water leading up to the blood test to stay hydrated. Always ask a healthcare provider about your specific fasting instructions before a BMP.

Basic Metabolic Panel Results

BMP results will provide a reading in numbers for each of the eight tests. Those results will also include a reference range. A reference range is the lab's guide to normal results. It will provide the low end of normal and the high end of normal. The reference range can vary from lab to lab based on their testing techniques.

Normal

The following chart offers an example of normal ranges for BMP results. The units include milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) for calcium, BUN, creatinine, and glucose and milliequivalents per liter of blood (mEq/L) for sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate.

Abnormal

Several factors can cause an abnormal BMP result. Each person will have unique circumstances that alter their results. Therefore, it's important to have a healthcare provider read your results and provide feedback.

Abnormal BMP results could indicate:

Getting a BMP With a Fear of Needles

For people who have a fear of needles, getting a blood test like a BMP can be a stressful event. A blood draw is the only way to get a BMP test, but there are ways to help reduce the fear of needles and ease the stress of giving a blood sample, including:

  • Ask questions about how the blood draw will proceed.

  • Do not look at the needle.

  • Ask for a numbing spray or cream.

  • Use distraction techniques like guided imagery.

  • Take controlled, deep breaths.

When the fear of needles interferes with necessary health care, then it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. A mental health provider who specializes in phobias can help determine the best course of treatment.

Next Steps After Abnormal BMP Results

An abnormal BMP result does not immediately indicate there is something wrong. Results need to be read in context, considering the entire picture of the person's health. It is helpful to look at past results to find any trends.

The results will be reviewed by a healthcare provider. If the tests indicate a health concern, the provider may order additional testing or suggest certain treatments.

Summary

A BMP is a set of blood tests that examine several body functions, including metabolism and kidney function. A healthcare provider may order a BMP at a yearly checkup, before surgery, or when you are sick.

It is a common test that gives a glimpse at someone's health and can provide important information about health conditions and treatments.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.