Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Also known as
BMP Blood test, CMP, BMP, Chemistry 14, Chem 14, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, Chem 7
Testing Basics
Why do you need to get tested ?
This test panel is ordered by your health care practitioner to get an idea about your general health care status. It screens, diagnoses, and monitors a number of diseases and conditions like diabetes or liver disease. The comprehensive metabolic panel performs the same function but also monitors specific medications, which can impact kidney health and liver function.
When do you need to get tested ?
The tests are ordered by the doctor commonly as a part of a routine health check-up. But it may also be ordered when you are ill, under monitoring for some specific conditions, or are suspected to be experiencing side effects from some medicines.
Which kind of sample is required ?
The panels are blood tests. The healthcare practitioner draws blood from a vein in your arm using a syringe and sends the sample to the lab.
Do you need to prepare for the test ?
This depends on why you are being tested. In some cases, the doctor may tell you to fast – you may only drink water – for nearly eight hours before the blood is drawn from your arm. It is important that you follow all the instructions detailed by the doctor. In addition, make sure that the doctor is aware of your prescriptions and any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbs you are on.
What is being tested in Basic Metabolic Panel(BMP) ?
There is a slight difference between the basic metabolic panel and the comprehensive metabolic panel. The basic metabolic panel consists of eight tests that measure different substances like minerals and otherwise present in the blood. The BMP is commonly ordered by the doctor. The BMP provides the doctor a general overview of your health status and the functioning of your metabolism. It provides information about the blood sugar level, the balance of electrolytes and fluids, the health of kidneys. The BMP includes the following tests:
Glucose: which is the primary source of energy for the body, it should be available in steady supply and present in stable amounts in the blood.
Calcium: this is one of the most important minerals for the body as it aids in the proper functioning of the nerves, muscles, and heart. It is also essential for the formation of bones and important for
blood clotting. The BMP also tests for electrolytes which are minerals present in the blood and tissues as dissolved salts. Electrolytes move nutrients into the cells and push out waste. In addition, they ensure that the body maintains a healthy water balance and stabilize the body’s pH level. The electrolyte test includes:
Sodium: this is essential for the normal functioning of the body, particularly nerves and muscles.
Potassium: important for cell metabolism and muscle function. It helps in transmitting messages between muscles and nerves.
Bicarbonate: this helps in maintaining the body’s pH level.
Chloride: this substance helps in regulating the levels of fluid in the body and maintains the acid-base balance.
Kidney tests include:
Blood urea nitrogen: also known as BUN. This test measures the amounts of blood urea nitrogen. When the waste product is filtered out of the body by the kidneys or as kidney function decreases simultaneously do blood, urea, and nitrogen levels rise.
Creatinine: This test measures how much of it is produced in the kidneys. Creatinine is a waste product of the muscles, which is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Creatinine levels are a good indicator of kidney function.
In addition to the tests mentioned above, the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel includes the following tests. The CMP consists of 14 tests. It includes protein tests:
Albumin: this is a small protein made by the liver, making up nearly 60% of the protein in the blood.
Total protein: This test measures other proteins in addition to albumin. Proteins are the building blocks of tissues and cells in the body. they are also responsible for growth, health, and development.
The panel also includes the following liver tests:
Alkaline phosphatase: also known as ALP(Alkaline phosphatase). It tests for the enzyme found in the bone, liver, and other issues.
Alanine aminotransferase: also known as ALP, SGPT. This enzyme is found in the cells of the liver and kidney. It aids in detecting liver damage.
Aspartate aminotransferase: also known as AST, SGOT. This is found in the heart and liver, aids in detecting liver damage.
Bilirubin: This is an orange, yellow pigment produced as a by-product after the breakdown of heme, which is a component of
hemoglobin. Bilirubin is removed from the body by the liver.
How is the test used ?
The basic metabolic panel (BMP) is used by the doctor to check your overall health, your kidney function, the status of your electrolyte and acid/base balance, as well as your blood glucose level. All of these are linked to the healthy metabolism of the body. It can be used to evaluate and screen for diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease and keep a check on known conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension). The CMP evaluates all of the above and looks at known conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to keep a check on and evaluate treatment with specific medications that may affect kidney or liver function. If your healthcare practitioner is interested in monitoring two or more individual CMP components, your practitioner may order the entire CMP because it offers more information.
When is the test ordered ?
It is ordered by the doctor during routine health exams. It may also be ordered when you are ill, admitted to the hospital, or in the emergency department. The panels may also be ordered when you have an on-going condition and are on a treatment plan which needs to be consistently evaluated or monitored. In addition, it may be ordered when you are on some medication that has a direct impact on the way your kidneys or liver functions.
What does the test result mean ?
The results of both the panels are interpreted in cohesion with one another. A single abnormal result for one test indicates something different than several abnormal results. The results are evaluated according to reference ranges in order to rule out or diagnose disorders and conditions.
Related Tests
Liver Panel (LFT), Renal Panel
Frequently ordered together
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