Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): What It Is, Procedure & Results (original) (raw)

When can I expect the results of my basic metabolic panel test?

In most cases, you should get the results of your BMP within one to two business days, though it could take longer.

If you’re receiving care in an emergency room and get a BMP, your care team should have the test results within hours.

What do the results of a basic metabolic panel (BMP) mean?

Blood test reports, including basic metabolic panel test reports, usually provide the following information:

• The name of the blood test or what was measured in your blood.
• The number or measurement of your blood test result.
• The normal measurement range for that test.
• Information that indicates if your result is normal or abnormal or high or low.

Normal values for basic metabolic panel

Laboratories may have different reference ranges for each aspect of a BMP. When you get your blood test results back, there will be information that indicates what that lab’s normal ranges are.

In general, normal ranges for a BMP include:

• Glucose: 74 to 99 mg/dL.
• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
• BUN: 7 to 21 mg/dL.
• Creatinine: 0.58 to 0.96 mg/dL.
• Sodium: 136 to 144 mmol/L.
• Potassium: 3.7 to 5.1 mmol/L.
• Bicarbonate (CO2): 22 to 30 mmol/L.
• Chloride: 98 to 107 mmol/L.

If you have any questions about your results, be sure to ask your healthcare provider.

Abnormal BMP results

If you have an abnormal result, your healthcare provider will likely recommend additional tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. Providers rarely make a diagnosis solely based on the results of a BMP.

If any single BMP result or a combination of results falls outside of the normal range, it may point to — but not guarantee — many different, long-term (chronic) health conditions, including:

• Diabetes.
• Bone disease.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.

A BMP can also help diagnose acute (sudden and severe) conditions, like:

Should I be concerned if I have abnormal basic metabolic panel test results?

If one of your BMP results is abnormal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a medical condition. Other factors — like the foods you eat, certain medications and health conditions — can affect your test results. There could’ve also been an error in the processing of the test.

Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history and current medications when they assess your results. They’ll let you know if you need further testing.