The Basic Metabolic Panel – What’s Included, and Why?
Clinical Quick Reference Guides - Clinical Concept Review/BMP
A comprehensive study guide of the basic metabolic panel, plus a Q&A review. Lab kardex included.
What is a BMP?
The basic metabolic panel, or “BMP,” is a group of tests measuring a portion of naturally occurring chemicals in the blood. Testing is performed on the fluid part of blood known as plasma.
The tests provide healthcare professionals with important information about the patient’s blood sugar level (glucose), electrolyte balance (sodium and potassium), renal function, and organs (heart, kidneys, liver).
A phlebotomist usually performs the blood draw to obtain the specimen necessary for the BMP, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood may perform the task.
Which substances are measured in the BMP?
Take a close look at the lab kardex below for more information about what is included in the BMP and the accepted reference ranges.
What about the “anion gap?”
This is sometimes obtained or listed, when the BMP is assessed. This test can tell the provider if an acid-base imbalance is present by looking at certain electrolytes from the metabolic panel (sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate). It detects the difference between positively and negatively charged electrolytes.
Normal range for this test is: 3-10 mEq/L
What is the “eGFR?”
eGFR stands for: “estimated glomerular filtration rate.” This is also sometimes listed when a BMP is obtained. This test can help provide the medical staff with key information about how well the patient’s glomerulus is filtering water, ions, and wastes from the blood to create urine. It is calculated with the patient’s creatinine level, age, sex, and race.
Normal: >60.
Less than 60 may indicate there is renal insufficiency present.
Why is the patient’s calcium assessed with the BMP?
The patient’s calcium level can indicate the presence of a bone, kidney, or thyroid issue.
What does BUN information pertain to?
BUN or “blood urea nitrogen” levels help the provider ascertain how well a patient’s kidneys are working.
How is the patient’s level of carbon dioxide important in this test?
The patient’s level of carbon dioxide is key to ruling “in or out,” certain issues a patient may be having with either their lungs or kidneys. Levels indicate whether there may be an acid-base imbalance present in the body.
Remember: the BMP is often considered a “go-to” test, with providers utilizing it to assess general physical health, help diagnose/or screen for, and monitor certain health conditions.
Medical Terminology
Getting to know these terms will help reinforce the above material.
anion - negatively charged ion
ion - atom or group of atoms that has an electric charge
GFR- represents flow of plasma from the glomerulus into Bowman's space during a specified period; chief measure of kidney function
phlebotomist – trained individual responsible for drawing blood from patients for lab tests, transfusions, or donation
Anatomy & Physiology
Becoming familiar with these body systems will help increase understanding of body processes and medical conditions
glomerulus
key part of the “nephron” (glomerulus-and-tubule unit > the filtering units of the kidney) (NIH)
specialized bundle of capillaries uniquely situated between two resistance vessels
Each kidney is composed of approxinately 1 million nephrons
Disclaimer: The above study guide represents study materials, always seek and follow the advice of your medical provider for any acute or chronic medical issues or questions.