Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures eight different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body's fluid balance, your metabolism (the process your body uses to make energy from food you eat), and how well your kidneys are working. This test is often used to check your general health.

A BMP test includes measurements of the following: Glucose, a type of sugar and your body's main energy source. If your glucose level is high, it may be a sign of diabetes.; Calcium, one of the body’s most important minerals. Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and heart.

It also helps with blood clotting, an important process that prevents you from losing too much blood when you get injured.; Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and chloride. These are electrolytes, which are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. They help move nutrients into your cells and waste out.

They also help your nerves, muscles, heart, and brain work well.; BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine, waste products removed from your blood by your kidneys.; Abnormal levels of any of these substances or a combination of them can be a sign of a health problem.

Why this test is done

A BMP is often done as part of a regular checkup. This may help your health care provider find health problems before you have any symptoms.

You may also need this test if you:

• Have general symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, breathing problems, or vomiting that lasts a long time
• Are being treated in the emergency room
• Are being monitored for a certain chronic (long-lasting) condition, such as high blood pressure or kidney disease

How to prepare

You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for eight hours before the test.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

BMP, chemistry panel, chemistry screen, chem 7, electrolyte panel