Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): What This Blood Test Checks and What Your Results Mean
A blood test that measures glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and kidney function markers to assess your overall metabolic health.
{"Measures blood sugar, electrolytes, calcium, and kidney function","Requires 8-12 hours of fasting before the test","Helps diagnose diabetes, kidney problems, and electrolyte imbalances","Results are typically available within 24-48 hours","Your healthcare provider will interpret results based on your overall health"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51990-0
- Short code
- BMP
- Synonyms
- Bas Metab Pnl Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) - gold top, or red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 136
- Ref high
- 145
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–120 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) for electrolytes; enzymatic/colorimetric assays for glucose, BUN, creatinine, and calcium
- CPT
- 80048
- SNOMED
- 33452-4
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL of whole blood (minimum 1 mL serum)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 8 hours at room temperature (15-25°C), 48 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C, and up to 30 days frozen at -20°C or colder. Glucose should be analyzed within 2 hours or preserved with fluoride.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–8 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) and What Does It Measure?
A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a common blood test that measures several substances in your blood. These include glucose (blood sugar), calcium, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate). It also measures blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, which are waste products that indicate how well your kidneys are working.
Why Might My Doctor Order This Test for Me?
Your doctor may order a BMP for several reasons: to check your overall health during a routine physical exam, to monitor kidney function, to evaluate blood sugar levels, to monitor known conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, or to check electrolyte balance before or after surgery. It is also useful for diagnosing certain conditions and monitoring the effectiveness of specific medications.
How Do I Get Ready for a Basic Metabolic Panel?
For accurate results, you will typically need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as some may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
What Happens During the Blood Draw?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch or sting. The blood is collected into a vial or test tube. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes. After the blood is drawn, you can resume your normal activities immediately.
What Do My Basic Metabolic Panel Results Mean?
A BMP provides values for multiple substances. Each result is compared to a normal range, which may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. Results outside the normal range may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation. Your healthcare provider will explain your results in the context of your overall health, medical history, and other test results.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by individual analyte component: Sodium 136-145 mmol/L; Potassium 3.5-5.1 mmol/L; Chloride 98-107 mmol/L; Bicarbonate (CO2) 22-29 mmol/L; BUN 7-20 mg/dL; Creatinine 0.6-1.3 mg/dL; Glucose 70-99 mg/dL (fasting); Calcium 8.5-10.5 mg/dLN/A
No fasting required for most components. Fasting may be preferred if glucose is a clinical concern (8-12 hours). Patient should be well-hydrated. Avoid excessive exercise prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Basic Metabolic Panel helps detect and monitor conditions affecting metabolism, kidney function, and electrolyte balance. Abnormal glucose levels may indicate diabetes, prediabetes, or low blood sugar. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels may suggest kidney dysfunction. Abnormal electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, heart problems, or metabolic disorders. Calcium levels outside the normal range may signal problems with parathyroid glands, vitamin D levels, or certain cancers. The BMP is often used in emergency settings to quickly assess a patient's metabolic status.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before the test?
Is the test painful?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Can I take my medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
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- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy