Basic Metabolic Panel

What this laboratory test evaluates

The Basic Metabolic Panel is a set of 8 tests that give important information about the body's chemical balance and metabolism. This includes checking the body's electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney function, and acid-base balance. It's often part of a routine check-up or physical exam.

Why is this test ordered?Providers order this panel during hospital admissions, emergency-room visits, and to keep an eye on patients with conditions like hypertension, especially if they're taking diuretics or other treatments. It helps in monitoring vital signs and metabolism in hospitalized patients.

What does it tell us?Changes in the test results can indicate issues like kidney failure, respiratory problems, and changes in cognitive function. Abnormal levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium can affect muscle, heart, and nerve functions, leading to symptoms like arrhythmias, weakness, and tremors.

Understanding the components:• Sodium: Important for water distribution and pressure in the body.
• Potassium: Key for muscle and nerve function.
• Chloride: Maintains fluid balance, blood volume, blood pressure, and body fluid pH.
• CO2 (Bicarbonate): Assesses the body's acid-base balance.
• Glucose: Essential energy source, helps diagnose diabetes and hypoglycemia.
• Calcium: Crucial for nerve, muscle, heart functions, and bone health.
• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Indicates kidney function.
• Creatinine: Helps diagnose kidney issues and check filtration rate.

What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum.

Additional test information

The Basic Metabolic Panel is a set of 8 tests that give important information about the body's chemical balance and metabolism. This includes checking the body's electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney function, and acid-base balance. It's often part of a routine check-up or physical exam.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.