BMP stands for basic metabolic panel. It is a specific group of blood tests that measure different chemicals in the plasma of the blood. The BMP includes measures for blood glucose, calcium and electrolyte tests, as well as blood tests that measure kidney function. Electrolyte tests measure blood levels for potassium, magnesium and other electrolytes such as carbon dioxide and bicarbonate.
BMP
The BMP is also known as a chemistry panel, chemistry screen, Chem 7 and the outdated SMA 7, which stands for sequential multi-channel analysis. The "7" stands for the number of tests usually included in this panel. These tests are done on the blood plasma, the yellow liquid component of blood. The freshly drawn blood is placed into a tube containing an anti-coagulant. The tube is then centrifuged. The plasma layer is extracted from the top of the tube and tested for levels of various minerals, chemicals and enzymes.
Electrolytes
The BMP includes tests for levels of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are minerals such as potassium, calcium and chloride, as well as carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. These electrolytes help maintain fluid levels. Abnormal electrolyte levels may be indicative of a variety of health problems, including dehydration, kidney or liver disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure.
Carbon dioxide levels are also measured as part of the electrolyte panel. Carbon dioxide, in combination with bicarbonate, are key components in the carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system of the blood. Abnormal levels of bicarbonate can lead to acidosis or alkalosis.
Acidosis, a low blood plasma pH, may cause nausea, vomiting and fatigue. In severe cases, patients may feel weak, drowsy or confused, which can eventually lead to shock, coma and death.
Alkalosis, a high blood plasma pH, may cause irritability, muscle twitching or muscle cramps.
Glucose
Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy. Abnormal glucose levels in your blood may be a sign of diabetes.
Blood glucose levels can be monitored under a variety of conditions. For some tests, blood is drawn after the individual has fasted for at least eight hours. In other tests, such as those monitoring the best way to treat diabetes, blood is drawn both after fasting and after meals.
Normal fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter. Abnormal, or pre-diabetic blood glucose levels range from 100 to 125 mg per deciliter, and diabetic fasting blood glucose levels range from 126 mg per deciliter and above.
Calcium
BMP includes tests for levels of calcium. This test measures calcium levels in the body that are not stored in bones. Normal blood calcium levels in adults range from 9.0 to 10.5 mg per deciliter. Because children are rapidly growing, their blood level calcium levels are higher, ranging from 7.6 to 10.8 mg per deciliter.
Abnormal calcium levels in the blood may be a sign of kidney problems, bone disease, thyroid disease, cancer or malnutrition.
Kidney Function
The BMP also tests for kidney function by measuring blood urea nitrogen, also known as BUN, and creatinine. Urea nitrogen forms when proteins break down. Normal levels range from 7 to 21 mg/dL. Creatinine forms when muscle cells break down. Normal creatinine levels range from creatinine 0.5-1.4 mg/dL. Both urea nitrogen and creatinine are waste products filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Abnormal BUN and creatinine levels may indicate kidney disease.
