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Basic Metabolic Panel, Plasma details

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Basic Metabolic Panel, Plasma

Labcorp

Broadest draw-site network nationwide.

This test is coming soon at Labcorp.

Basic Metabolic Panel, Plasma

Quest Diagnostics

Same-day appointments in most metros.

Sample type
Plasma
Avg. sample processing time
4 Business days
Require fasting
No

BiomarkersQuest Diagnostics biomarkers

  • BUN/Creatinine Ratio Compares two kidney-related waste markers to help distinguish the cause of abnormal kidney values, such as dehydration versus a kidney-specific problem.
  • Calcium Measures the total calcium in your blood, important for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
  • Carbon Dioxide Reflects the bicarbonate level in your blood, a key part of your body's acid-base balance. Abnormal levels can point to metabolic or respiratory issues.
  • Chloride An electrolyte that works with sodium and potassium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base status in your body.
  • Creatinine A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered by your kidneys. One of the main markers used to assess kidney function.
  • Glucose Your blood sugar level at the time of the test โ€” a core marker for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and metabolic health.
  • Potassium An essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
  • Sodium An essential electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen Blood urea nitrogen, a waste product filtered by your kidneys. Used along with creatinine to assess kidney function and hydration status.
  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated glomerular filtration rate โ€” a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood, based on creatinine and other factors.
$7.49

Description

The Basic Metabolic Panel is a set of 8 tests that give important information about the body's chemical balance and metabolism. This includes checking the body's electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney function, and acid-base balance. It's often part of a regular health check-up or when you're admitted to the hospital.

Why might someone need this test?

Providers order this test for routine health screenings, hospital admissions, and to keep an eye on patients with conditions like high blood pressure, especially if they're taking certain medications. It helps in diagnosing and managing conditions related to changes in the body's chemical balance, such as kidney failure, respiratory issues, and cognitive impairments.

What does this test measure?

  • Sodium: Helps maintain normal fluid distribution and pressure in the body.
  • Potassium: Crucial for muscle and nerve function.
  • Chloride: Maintains body fluid volume, acidity, and electrical neutrality.
  • Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate): Assesses the body's acid-base balance.
  • Glucose: The body's main energy source.
  • Calcium: Essential for nerve, muscle, and heart functions, and bone health.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Indicates protein metabolism and kidney function.
  • Creatinine: A muscle waste product, indicating kidney health.
  • eGFR: Estimates kidney function based on creatinine and other factors.

What type of sample is required?

1 mL of plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube is needed for this test.

Included biomarkers

Biomarkers

  • BUN/Creatinine Ratio Compares two kidney-related waste markers to help distinguish the cause of abnormal kidney values, such as dehydration versus a kidney-specific problem.
  • Calcium Measures the total calcium in your blood, important for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
  • Carbon Dioxide Reflects the bicarbonate level in your blood, a key part of your body's acid-base balance. Abnormal levels can point to metabolic or respiratory issues.
  • Chloride An electrolyte that works with sodium and potassium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base status in your body.
  • Creatinine A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered by your kidneys. One of the main markers used to assess kidney function.
  • Glucose Your blood sugar level at the time of the test โ€” a core marker for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and metabolic health.
  • Potassium An essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
  • Sodium An essential electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen Blood urea nitrogen, a waste product filtered by your kidneys. Used along with creatinine to assess kidney function and hydration status.
  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated glomerular filtration rate โ€” a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood, based on creatinine and other factors.

Preparation

Labcorp

This test is coming soon at Labcorp.

Quest Diagnostics
  • Fasting for 8 hours before your blood draw is recommended but not required.
  • Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
  • Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
  1. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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