Most affordable basic metabolic blood test panel near me

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures 8 different substances in your blood to give your doctor important information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. BMPs measure the levels of:

• Blood urea nitrogen (waste produced by the kidneys)
• Calcium (helps determine kidney function)
• Carbon dioxide (determines lung and kidney function)
• Chloride (helps determine electrolyte balance)
• Creatinine (a byproduct of kidney function, helps determine kidney health)
• Glucose (determines blood sugar levels)
• Potassium (helps determine sodium content)
• Sodium (determines water/ salt balance)

A test of these levels can help doctors check several body systems such as:

• Kidney function
• Blood sugar levels
• Blood protein levels
• Acidity in the blood
• Electrolyte balance
• Metabolism

Basic metabolic panels are usually done during your routine yearly check-up. Just as other parts of the check-up test your blood pressure, eye and skin health, and other crucial health factors, a BMP gives doctors a clearer sense of your internal - and overall - health.

Basic metabolic panels are especially important for individuals who are managing a chronic health condition (such as diabetes), or who routinely take prescription medication that may affect the function of the kidneys.

Abnormalities in the level of some of these substances can help doctors detect and diagnose health conditions that may be difficult to identify without blood work. Some examples of health conditions that a CMP can help detect include:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Blood pressure
• Nutrient imbalances
• Dehydration

Depending on the results of a BMP test, you may be asked to undergo follow-up testing for a more accurate diagnosis. This is commonly done if your provider suspects that you may be experiencing heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.

Basic metabolic panel testing checks the blood’s levels of:

• Blood urea nitrogen
• Calcium
• Carbon dioxide
• Chloride
• Creatinine
• Glucose
• Potassium
• Sodium

BMPs are primarily used to check electrolyte and blood sugar levels, as well as your body’s acid-base balance.

CMPs check the levels of these substances, as well as enzymes that are made by the liver (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Levels of bilirubin - a waste product made by the liver - are also tested to determine how well your body is filtering red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin may indicate liver or bile duct problems (such as cancer or gallstones).

Your doctor may order a CMP or BMP based on your health history and needs.

You may be asked to fast (no eating or drinking of any kind) for 8-12 hours before your appointment.

During your appointment, a health care provider will draw your blood via a needle inserted into a vein in your arm. This may cause a little sting, but is safe and harmless. A small amount of blood is taken from your arm and deposited in a test tube. This tube is then sent to a lab for testing and analysis. The punctured area where the needle was inserted will be cleaned and bandaged to prevent infection.

Basic metabolic panels require no anesthesia, so you will be cleared to resume your daily activities after your appointment. Because you may be required to fast for up to 12 hours prior to undergoing a BMP, it is recommended that you schedule your appointment right away in the morning.

It usually takes several business days for you to get your results back. If your doctor detects any abnormalities or patterns in your results that may indicate an underlying health condition, you may be contacted to schedule follow-up testing.