BMP Blood Test (Chem 8 Panel) Chem 8 panel goes by many names, but is most commonly known as the basic metabolic panel. Eight blood tests make up the basic metabolic panel, which gives details about your body’s metabolism. The BMP blood test measures blood glucose or blood sugar levels, blood acid/base balance, and kidney function. If your doctor has requested you have this test performed, or you are an organization who wishes to perform this test, you can reach out to Speedy Sticks and book an appointment today. We can perform blood draws from the comfort of your own home or office.
What Is a BMP Blood Test?
The BMP blood test, also known as a Chem 8 Panel or Basic Metabolic Panel, is a routine test that checks eight key substances in your blood. It’s performed using a small needle to collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The test helps assess your metabolism, electrolyte balance, and how well your kidneys are working.
Why Is the BMP Blood Test Important?
The Basic Metabolic Panel helps detect and monitor a variety of health conditions, including:
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Dehydration
Heart problems
Electrolyte imbalances
Acid-base disorders
It’s also used to track the effectiveness of medications that affect your kidneys or fluid balance.
How the Test Works
The test is performed using a simple blood draw, usually from a vein in your arm. In some cases, you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test, especially if your glucose level is being measured.
What Does the Chem 8 Panel Measure?
This test provides results in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), giving insights into a range of health conditions. Here’s what it includes:
Glucose – Measures blood sugar. Abnormal levels may indicate diabetes or hypoglycemia.
Calcium – Crucial for bone strength, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Sodium – Helps regulate fluids, blood pressure, and muscle and nerve activity.
Potassium – Essential for heart health and muscle function.
Chloride – Works with other electrolytes to keep fluid and acid-base balance.
Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate) – Maintains proper blood pH levels.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – A waste product that shows how well your kidneys are filtering.
Creatinine – A key indicator of kidney performance.
When and Why Is a Metabolic Panel Blood Test Done?
Doctors may recommend a BMP blood test as part of a routine checkup, before surgery, or when investigating symptoms related to health conditions such as:
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Dehydration
Heart disease
Electrolyte disturbances
The test can also help monitor treatment effectiveness for those managing chronic conditions.
Electrolytes and Fluids: Why They Matter
Electrolytes are charged minerals—like sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—that help control nerve signals, fluid balance, and muscle contractions. A BMP blood test checks these levels to ensure your body is functioning properly.
How Kidney Function Is Evaluated
The BMP test includes two critical kidney markers:
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): High levels can signal kidney trouble or dehydration.
Creatinine: Used to gauge how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
Your doctor may also look at the BUN/Creatinine ratio to further assess kidney health or detect other conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding or shock.
Do You Need to Fast?
You may be asked not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the test, particularly if your blood glucose level is being evaluated.
BMP vs CMP: What’s the Difference?
While a BMP covers eight essential markers, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) includes all of the BMP components plus additional tests that evaluate liver function and other important biomarkers. Your doctor may choose between the two depending on your symptoms or medical history.
Why Choose Speedy Sticks for Your BMP Blood Test?
With Speedy Sticks, you can get your blood sample collected from the comfort of your home or office. Our professional team uses a small needle for a quick and smooth collection process. We serve individuals and organizations seeking reliable at-home diagnostic testing services.
Kidney Tests
Tests for kidney function make sure your kidneys are functioning properly. Healthy kidneys aid your body’s ability to eliminate waste. Your kidney function may be impacted by illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure. To identify or rule out an infection, you might also require a kidney function test.
Creatinine
The results of a creatinine test indicate how well your kidneys are removing waste from your blood. A chemical byproduct of your muscles’ energy-generating mechanisms is creatinine. The blood is filtered by healthy kidneys to remove creatinine. Your body excretes creatinine as a waste product in urine. The amount of creatinine in your blood or urine might give your doctor information about how well your kidneys are functioning.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test provides crucial details about how effectively your kidneys are functioning. With this test, our blood’s level of urea nitrogen is measured. If your urea nitrogen levels are higher than usual, this may not be a good sign.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Acute or chronic renal (kidney) disease or injury is diagnosed using the BUN/Creatinine ratio blood test. The sum of the two together side by side is helpful in assessing renal function. It can also be used to identify gastrointestinal bleeding or trauma. This is because both creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) are filtered in the kidneys and eliminated in the urine.
The Takeaway
A Chem 8 panel goes by many names, but when your doctor advises a blood test is performed, they are looking for anything that might signal something is making you sick. If your doctor has asked that you have certain blood tests performed, or you are an organization who wants to perform these tests, you can reach out to Speedy Sticks with any questions or book an appointment today! We can perform blood draws from the comfort of your home or office with our team of phlebotomists, nurses, and professionals. Speedy Sticks offers a full range of mobile phlebotomy services for individuals and organizations.
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How long does a BMP blood test take?
Results are usually available within 24–48 hours, depending on the lab.
Is a BMP blood test done fasting?
Fasting may be required if glucose levels are being evaluated.