Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Reviewed
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a blood test that measures eight different substances to check your body's fluid balance, metabolism, and kidney function. It is often used as part of a routine checkup or to help diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 8 hours before the test.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- A single abnormal result does not confirm a specific diagnosis; further testing is often needed.
- Results may be affected by recent food or drink intake if you do not fast as instructed.
What to do next
Your healthcare provider will discuss any abnormal results with you and may recommend additional tests to explore the underlying cause.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)