LEARN THE BASICS
MARCH 2023
Do you know your numbers?
Your height, weight, blood pressure, temperature and heart rate provide your doctor with important information about your health. But they’re just the beginning. There’s a wide range of tests and screenings that offer more detailed information about how your body is functioning today, and about problems that may develop in the future.
Of all the blood tests your doctor may order, one of the most essential is a basic metabolic panel (BMP). Here’s a closer look at this common test and what it can tell you about your health.
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What is a basic metabolic panel?
A basic metabolic panel — or BMP – is a simple blood test that checks the levels of different substances in your blood. It gives your doctor important information about how some of your body’s systems are working, and it’s used to check for certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure. It also can be used to make sure any medication you’re taking is working well.
How often your doctor orders a BMP depends on your health and your doctor’s concerns about how your body is functioning.
What is a BMP used for?
A BMP is used to check different body functions and processes, including:
- Kidney function
- Fluid and electrolyte balance
- Blood sugar levels
- Metabolism
What is tested in a BMP?
Calcium
Calcium keeps bones strong and ensures your blood clots properly.
Carbon dioxide
Your carbon dioxide levels show how well your lungs and kidneys are working.
Chloride
Chloride shows how your body is managing fluids.
Creatinine
Levels of creatinine can tell your doctor how well your kidneys are functioning.
Glucose
Glucose in your blood is also known as your blood sugar. It’s the main source of energy for your body. Too little or too much is a serious problem.
Potassium
Potassium helps your muscles work and controls your breathing. Extra potassium is removed from your blood by your kidneys. When you have kidney disease, they can’t remove it, so you’ll have too much in your blood.
Sodium
Sodium is a mineral that’s important for ensuring your blood, cells and tissue have enough water to function properly.
Blood urea nitrogen
This is another kidney function byproduct that tells your doctor if your kidneys are working well.
What can you learn from your results?
Your doctor can help you understand your basic metabolic panel results. If any of the results are not normal, it may mean you have an underlying medical condition. Your doctor will likely order more tests to confirm any diagnosis.
Your BMP results may say that the levels of substances in your blood are either normal (negative) or abnormal (positive). Results can also be inconclusive, which may mean you’ll need more tests.
Next steps
With the information provided by your test results, your doctor can make recommendations to help manage your current or potential health challenges. These could include changing your diet, increasing the amount of water you drink, or getting more sleep or exercise. Your doctor could also prescribe a medication or refer you to a specialist.
Sources: WebMD. What is a basic metabolic panel?
NIH National Library of Medicine Medline Plus. Basic metabolic panel (BMP).
For more information on how you can use your Costco benefits to support your physical well-being, see the resources below.