Basic Metabolic Panel, Plasma Blood Test
Compare labs
| Feature |
Labcorp
|
Quest Diagnostics
|
|---|---|---|
| Price | Coming soon | $7.49 |
| Results in | — | ~4 business days |
| Sample type | — | Blood Plasma |
| Require fasting | — | No |
About the test
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 & Reference ranges
| Biomarker | Reference range |
|---|---|
| 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. | 6–22 Ratio |
| 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. | 0.4–1.5 mg/dL |
| Glucose Your blood sugar level at the time of the test — 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 — a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood, based on creatinine and other factors. | — |
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, and sex (M/F). Your report shows your exact range. Click any biomarker to see its optimal range and what your results mean.
Preparation
- 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.
How it works
- 1. Order online No referral or insurance
- 2. Get a requisition By email in 24–72 hours
- 3. Visit a draw center Bring a matching photo ID
- 4. Get results Securely by email
- 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.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist