A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a group of eightcommon blood teststhat examine severalbody functions.

It is similar to a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), but the BMP includes fewer tests.

This article will discuss the tests included in a BMP and what are considered normal and abnormal results.

An illustration of a gloved hand holding a blood vial with a yellow top, surrounded by red blood cells

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

It will also cover the scenarios leading to someone needing a BMP.

High levels of glucose could indicate diabetes.

The BMP includes tests that will be impacted by the food or drink in a person’s system.

Fasting before a blood testmeans no food or drink, except water, before the test.

Basic Metabolic Panel Results

BMP resultswill provide a reading in numbers for each of the eight tests.

Thoseresultswill also include a reference range.

A reference range is the lab’s guide to normal results.

It will provide the low end of normal and the high end of normal.

The reference range can vary from lab to lab based on their testing techniques.

Normal

The following chart offers an example of normal ranges for BMP results.

Abnormal

Several factors can cause an abnormal BMP result.

Each person will have unique circumstances that alter their results.

Therefore, it’s important to have a healthcare provider read your results and provide feedback.

A mental health provider who specializes in phobias can help determine the best course of treatment.

Results need to be read in context, considering the entire picture of the person’s health.

It is helpful to look at past results to find any trends.

The results will be reviewed by a healthcare provider.

If the tests indicate a health concern, the provider may order additional testing or suggest certain treatments.

MedlinePlus.Basic metabolic panel (BMP).

MedlinePlus.Carbon dioxide (CO2) in blood.

MedlinePlus.BUN (blood urea nitrogen).

MedlinePlus.Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

MedlinePlus.Fasting for a blood test.

MedlinePlus.How to understand your lab results.

American College of Clinical Pathology.Reference for common laboratory tests.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthcare providers: understanding needle fears and phobia.