Basic Metabolic Panel with Electrolytes (Serum)
This test measures key chemicals in your blood, including electrolytes and basic kidney function markers, to check how well your body is balancing fluids and maintaining healthy levels of essential substances.
["Helps assess hydration, kidney function, and electrolyte balance in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101866-2
- Short code
- Gas + Electrolytes poc pnl BldV
- Synonyms
- Gas + Electrolytes poc pnl BldV
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test includes measurements for sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. These electrolytes and markers help your body regulate fluids, blood pressure, and waste removal.
Why It Matters in Your Health
Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are vital for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining fluid balance. BUN and creatinine are indicators of kidney function, which filter waste from your blood.
Common Reasons for Testing
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like excessive thirst, fatigue, swelling, confusion, or if you have conditions like kidney disease, heart problems, or dehydration.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum (the liquid part) for testing. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be required for some components depending on your specific test order.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
BMP Electrolytes
Frequently asked questions
How abnormal results might be interpreted depends on your overall health and symptoms. For example, low sodium could indicate dehydration or excessive loss of fluids, while high potassium might suggest kidney issues or certain medications.
What does a 'Basic Metabolic Panel' include?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy