Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
CPT Code(s):
80048
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Draw blood in a gel - barrier tube and centrifuge. If red - top tube or green - top tube is used, centrifuge within 45 minutes of draw, remove the serum or plasma, and place in a transport tube and tightly stopper the tube.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical chemistry and primary care medicine. This test is a group of blood tests that provides essential information about a patient's electrolyte balance, kidney function, and acid-base balance.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Basic Metabolic Panel include:
1. Evaluation of Kidney Function: BMP includes measurements of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels, which are crucial indicators of kidney function. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels can suggest impaired kidney function or acute kidney injury. BMP helps identify kidney dysfunction and provides baseline values for monitoring kidney health and assessing the effects of medications or treatments on renal function.
2. Electrolyte Imbalance Assessment: BMP provides information about electrolyte levels in the blood, including sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-). Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to various medical conditions, medications, or dietary factors. BMP aids in evaluating electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), or metabolic acidosis (low bicarbonate levels).
3. Acid-Base Balance Evaluation: BMP measures bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels, which play a critical role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Abnormal bicarbonate levels can indicate metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. BMP assists in assessing acid-base imbalances and guiding appropriate interventions, such as adjusting fluid intake or prescribing medications to restore the balance.
4. Monitoring Medication Effects: BMP is used to monitor the effects of certain medications, such as diuretics or medications that may affect kidney function or electrolyte levels. Regular BMP testing helps healthcare providers assess the impact of medications on kidney function and electrolyte balance, enabling them to make necessary adjustments to medication dosages or treatment plans.
5. Routine Health Screening: BMP is often included as part of routine health check-ups or pre-operative evaluations. It provides valuable baseline information about a patient's kidney function, electrolyte status, and acid-base balance. By detecting abnormalities, the test helps identify underlying medical conditions and guide further evaluation and management.
BMP is a valuable tool in primary care medicine as it provides essential information about kidney function, electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance. It aids in diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases, assessing electrolyte imbalances, evaluating acid-base disorders, monitoring medication effects, and serving as a routine health screening tool. The results of BMP assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patient care and optimizing overall health and well-being.