Decoding the BMP

A few weeks ago, we decoded the CBC. We'll continue on with another common blood test, the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), also known as "Chem 7". If you watch as much TV as me, you'll probably recall hearing doctors on Grey's Anatomy and ER order a "CBC, Chem 7".

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a frequently ordered panel of tests that gives your doctor important information about the current status of your kidneys, blood sugar, and electrolyte and acid/base balance. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

If you take any medicines, such as diuretics for high blood pressure, your doctor may order a basic metabolic panel to see if the medicines are affecting your kidneys or your electrolytes. Your doctor also may order this panel as part of a regular health examination or to help diagnose a medical condition. You may be asked to stop eating and drinking for 10 to 12 hours before you have this blood test.

The BMP includes 8 tests (perhaps why "Chem 7" is an outdated term?):

1. Glucose (GLUC)

2. Calcium (Ca)

Electrolytes:
3. Sodium (Na)
4. Potassium (K)
5. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
6. Chloride (Cl)

Kidney Tests:
7. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
8. Creatinine (CREA)

Each of these items play a very important role in your body's functions. I'll go into detail in future posts to explain each one a little more. Big, long posts filled with medical jibber jabber can be boring, so I'll try to keep them short from now on...


- a little lupie -