Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Reviewed
Also called: BMP, chemistry panel, chemistry screen, chem 7, electrolyte panel
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures eight different substances in your blood.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- As part of a regular checkup to screen for health problems before symptoms appear.
- To evaluate general symptoms like fatigue, confusion, breathing problems, or prolonged vomiting.
- In an emergency room setting to quickly assess fluid and electrolyte balance.
- To monitor chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease.
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for eight hours before the test.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Abnormal levels of any of these substances or a combination of them can be a sign of a health problem.
- One or more results not normal: If any one result or combination of BMP results were not normal, it could be a sign of several different health conditions. These include kidney disease, breathing problems, and complications from diabetes. Limitation: To understand what your test results may mean, your provider may also consider your symptoms, your medical history, and the results of other tests you had. Next step: You will likely need more tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis.
- High glucose: If your glucose level is high, it may be a sign of diabetes. Limitation: To understand what your test results may mean, your provider may also consider your symptoms, your medical history, and the results of other tests you had. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- 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
You will likely need more tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- What do my specific results indicate about my kidney function, fluid balance, or metabolism?
- Do I need any follow-up tests based on these results?
- How do my symptoms or medical history relate to these results?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)