Basic Metabolic Panel-Plasma
Also known as: BMP plasma test, Bmp plasma, BMP
What is being tested in Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) plasma?
The basic metabolic panel consists of eight tests that measure different substances like minerals and otherwise present in blood plasma. The BMP provides the doctor with a general overview of your health status and the functioning of your metabolism. It provides information about the blood plasma 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 a steady supply and present in stable amounts in the blood.
Calcium: The mineral calcium is the most abundant in the human body. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, where it supports structure and function. Vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscular function, neuronal transmission, intracellular communication, and hormone secretion all require the remaining 1% of the calcium in the body. The amount of calcium in your blood does not change in response to what you eat. Calcium is stored in bone tissue, which serves to keep calcium levels in the blood, muscle, and intercellular fluids in balance.
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 stabilizes 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, blood urea nitrogen levels rise simultaneously.
Creatinine: This test measures how much creatinine 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.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or kidney filtration rate, indicates how effectively the kidneys filter. The normal eGFR in adults is greater than 90. Even in those who do not have renal disease, eGFR declines with age.
How is the test used?
The doctor uses the basic metabolic panel (BMP) 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 check on general conditions, such as high blood pressure.
BMPs are used to monitor a variety of bodily functions and processes, including:
- Kidney health
- Balance of fluids and electrolytes
- Sugar levels in the blood
- Balance of acid and base in the body
- Metabolism
When do you need to get tested?
The tests are ordered by the doctor commonly as a part of a routine health check-up. It screens, diagnoses, and monitors several diseases and conditions. The panel gives you useful information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism. 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 ongoing condition and are on a treatment plan that must be consistently evaluated or monitored. Your doctor may order a basic metabolic panel if you take any medications, such as diuretics for high blood pressure, to assess if or not the medications are affecting your kidneys or electrolytes.
A BMP may also be ordered by your doctor if you're suffering general symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue.
- Confusion.
- Vomiting
- Breathing problems
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 does the test result mean?
If any single BMP result or a set of results is abnormal, it may indicate a variety of health problems, including:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
A BMP can also be used to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of acute (sudden and severe) conditions, such as:
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Renal (kidney ) function problems
The results are evaluated according to reference ranges in order to rule out or diagnose disorders and conditions. If your test results are abnormal, your doctor will most likely order more tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. Don't be hesitant to ask your provider questions regarding your results if you have any.
Related Tests:
Basic metabolic panel, Liver Panel (LFT), Renal Panel, Comprehensive metabolic panel, serum electrolytes,
Frequently ordered together
Basic Metabolic Panel BMP
Glucose Fasting
Glucose Random
Blood Urea Nitrogen BUN
Calcium
Chloride
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP
Creatinine Serum
Potassium
Electrolytes Serum
Basic Metabolic Panel BMP without Calcium
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP without ALT
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP without CO2 & ALT
CARBON DIOXIDE
POTASSIUM-PLASMA
COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL-PLASMA
COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL WITH ADJUSTED CALCIUM-PLASMA
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