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A basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures eight different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body'sfluid 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:
Abnormal levels of any of these substances or a combination of them can be a sign of a health problem.
Other names: BMP, chemistry panel, chemistry screen, chem 7, electrolyte panel
A BMP can be used to screen or diagnose health conditions or monitor treatment. This test may also be used to check how well your body functions. It can provide information on your:
A BMP is often done as part of aregular checkup. This may help your health care provider find health problems before you have any symptoms.
You may also need this test if you:
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.
You may need tofast (not eat or drink) for eight hours before the test.
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.
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 , andcomplications from diabetes. You will likely need more tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis.
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. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
Learn more aboutlaboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
There is a similar test to a BMP called acomprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). A CMP includes the same eight tests as a BMP, plus six more tests, which measure certain proteins and liver enzymes. The additional tests are:
Your provider may order a CMP instead of a BMP to get a more complete picture of the health of your organs or to check for liver disease or other specific conditions.
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.
