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A BMP blood test measures eight different substances in your blood to help determine whether your body is functioning optimally. This test checks your metabolism, energy, chemical balance, and organ health. It may be performed as part of a routine checkup, especially if you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease. During a BMP, your doctor draws a small amount of your blood and sends it to the lab for testing and evaluation.
A BMP measures the levels of eight substances in your blood. The levels tested include: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood glucose, calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, potassium, and sodium. Having abnormal levels of one or more of these substances may indicate that you have a serious health disorder that requires treatment.
The cost of a BMP test depends on multiple factors, including provider rates, geographical location, and whether your health insurance covers this test. The best way to determine the cost of a BMP is to contact the blood test provider or your health insurance provider to learn more about your benefits.
Yes, BMP testing is covered by many health insurance plans, especially if your doctor deems it medically necessary. Contact your health insurance provider to verify if it covers BMP testing and to learn more about your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs. Some BMP test providers may also confirm your insurance benefits for you.
A BMP can be performed by your doctor, at a lab, or at a hospital. Many healthcare providers will refer you to a reputable BMP provider that will perform this test and contact your doctor with the results. You may also use Solv to locate top-rated, reputable BMP providers in your area.
BMP blood test results can return within a few hours to 24 hours, though lab staffing and productivity may lengthen the wait. Some BMP providers may contact your doctor with the results, meaning you may have to wait a few extra days or weeks to hear from your doctor. The BMP test provider can often provide you with a more accurate timeframe regarding how long it will take to get your results.
All labs and BMP providers have varying “normal” value ranges for a BMP. BMP results that are usually considered normal are:
Many BMP providers require a doctor’s referral in order to give a BMP test. The top benefit of seeing a doctor first is being able to confirm whether you need this test at all based on your symptoms and medical history. A BMP test is usually performed before surgery, during emergency situations, and when your doctor wants to properly diagnose a condition.
Solv makes it easy to find local BMP providers and book a same-day appointment. Visit our website and enter “Basic Metabolic Panel” into the provider search field, along with your location. Solv will provide you with a list of nearby BMP providers and their contact information so you can get in touch right away to book an appointment.
Some BMP tests are available for purchase online, though most require you to take them to a lab or hospital where they can be administered by a medical professional. Samples from BMP tests are usually analyzed and evaluated at medical labs. However, it may be possible for you to measure individual components of a BMP test at home, such as the blood glucose test. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about at-home BMP testing.
A BMP test measures the levels of eight substances in your blood that doctors can then evaluate to determine whether you have one or more serious medical conditions. BMP blood tests are commonly performed as part of a routine medical checkup. BMP tests may also be performed when you are receiving emergency medical treatment, or when you are diagnosed and being treated for chronic conditions.
Body functions and processes that can be checked using a BMP test include:
A BMP test requires you to fast for eight to 12 hours beforehand. You will also need to inform your doctor about all medications and nutritional supplements you are currently taking, as some may interfere with your results.
The BMP test usually only takes a few minutes, as it requires a blood draw. The blood sample is generally taken from your arm using a needle. First, the doctor or lab technician will clean your skin at the injection site and place an elastic band above that area (usually the arm) to make your veins more swollen and visible. Then, a fine needle will be used to take a blood sample, which is placed into one or more vials. The doctor or lab technician will remove the elastic band from your arm, then place gauze and a bandage over the injection site. Your blood samples will be taken to the lab, where they will be examined and analyzed for any abnormalities.
During a BMP test, you may feel a little discomfort and experience slight soreness at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few minutes or hours. Your doctor will contact you to discuss your results when they are available, which can take anywhere between a few hours and a few weeks.
In some instances, your doctor may order additional testing, especially if any abnormalities are detected, or your doctor is unable to arrive at a diagnosis. Your doctor may also call you in to discuss your available treatment options if BMP test results reveal you have a health disorder.
Updated on Jan 25, 2023
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