Nine analytes. One SST. The BMP (also called Basic or CHEM-8) is a core chemistry panel covering electrolytes, renal markers, glucose and calcium. It is ordered by healthcare providers and nursing homes as a routine screen and as a first-line look at kidney function and electrolyte status.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test name | Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) |
| Also called | BMP, Basic, CHEM-8 |
| Order code | BMP |
| Category | Chemistry |
| Specimen | Blood, SST (serum separator tube) |
| Turnaround | Results 24 to 48 hours from receipt of the sample. Facility partner materials cite under 24 hours from receipt. |
| Ordered by | Healthcare providers; nursing homes |
What it detects
The requisition lists nine reported components. Brochure materials count eight tests, with the BUN/creatinine ratio calculated from BUN and creatinine.
| Group | Analytes |
|---|---|
| Electrolytes and acid-base | Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) |
| Renal | BUN, Creatinine, BUN/Creatinine Ratio |
| Metabolic | Glucose, Calcium |
Need only the electrolytes? The Electrolyte Panel (EP) covers sodium, potassium, chloride and CO2. Chloride and creatinine are also available as individual tests.
When to order it
TLS positions routine blood testing as a way to screen for red flags that could compromise overall wellness. The BMP supports that work across several domains:
- Routine checkups. Baseline chemistry for kidney health, bone health and diabetes risk in a single draw.
- Kidney function. BUN, creatinine and the BUN/creatinine ratio together.
- Electrolyte and acid-base status. Sodium, potassium, chloride and CO2.
- Glucose and calcium. Both are on every BMP.
- Long-term care. Nursing homes order the BMP as part of routine resident monitoring. TLS provides a collection guide for it.
For longer-term glycemic assessment, Hemoglobin A1c is ordered separately and collected in a lavender-top tube.
Specimen collection
Collection errors move chemistry results. Potassium and glucose are the most exposed. The TLS collection guide specifies:
- Container: SST (serum separator tube).
- Order of draw: 3rd, after blue/coag tubes and after blood culture.
- Fill: To the fill line. Invert 5 to 10 times, gently. Do not shake.
- Identification: Verify two identifiers (full name and date of birth). Label at the bedside. Do not pre-label tubes.
- Clotting: Stand the tube upright at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Do not spin an unclotted SST.
- Centrifugation: Within 2 hours of draw, 3,400 RPM for 15 minutes. Beyond 2 hours, glucose drops and potassium rises. Do not re-spin a tube that has already been spun. Re-collect instead.
- Inspection: After spinning, the gel should form a clean barrier between cells and serum. Cloudy or fibrin-laden serum means restart.
- Hemolysis: Avoid it. Hemolysis falsely raises potassium.
- Freezing: Do not freeze the SST on its gel. If freezing is needed, pour the serum into a plastic aliquot tube first.
- Stability: 24 hours at room temperature, 3 days refrigerated. The 3-day limit is driven by calcium and glucose.
- Transport: Refrigerated, in a biohazard bag with the requisition.
Collection volume is not specified on this page. Call the lab at 248.800.6626 to confirm.
Patient preparation. The BMP is often ordered fasting (8 to 12 hours), so check the order. Water and routine medications are usually fine. If fasting is required, a morning draw is best.
Understanding the report
TLS chemistry reports list each analyte with its result, units and reference range. Results outside range are flagged. On the TLS sample report, values are separated into within-range and outside-range columns, with H and L flags. Calculated values, such as the BUN/creatinine ratio, are labeled as calculated.
Reference ranges are printed on each report. Read them there rather than from a fixed table, since ranges can differ between report formats.
Why order it from Total Lab Solutions
- A collection guide for every test. Each test on the TLS menu has a guide covering patient prep, tube selection and draw order, numbered procedure steps, stability windows, transport requirements and common rejection causes. The TLS phone line is printed on every guide. Partner facilities post them at draw stations and use them in competency checklists.
- One lab, one requisition. TLS offers 9 panels and 90+ individual tests, and all of the panels, including the BMP, are SST-based on the requisition.
- Clear, stated timelines. Results are reported 24 to 48 hours from the lab’s receipt of the sample.
- Two locations. Troy, MI and Spring, TX.
Frequently asked questions
What analytes are included in a basic metabolic panel (BMP/CHEM-8)?
Calcium, chloride, creatinine, carbon dioxide, glucose, potassium, sodium, BUN and the BUN/creatinine ratio. The CHEM-8 name reflects the eight measured tests, with the ratio calculated from BUN and creatinine.
Does a BMP require fasting, and how should patients prepare for collection?
It is often ordered fasting (8 to 12 hours), so check the order. Water and routine medications are usually fine. A morning draw is best when fasting is required. Verify two identifiers (full name and date of birth) before drawing.
What is the typical turnaround time for BMP results?
Results are reported 24 to 48 hours from the lab’s receipt of the sample under the general TLS timeline. Some facility partner materials cite under 24 hours from receipt. For time-sensitive orders, call 248.800.6626.
What is the difference between a BMP and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and when should each be ordered?
The CMP contains everything in the BMP plus albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total protein and the A/G ratio. Order the BMP when you need electrolytes, renal markers, glucose and calcium. Order the CMP when you also need hepatic and protein markers. Both are SST specimens. To look at albumin on its own, see Albumin. The Renal Panel (RFP) adds phosphorus to the electrolyte, creatinine, glucose and calcium set.
Which CPT code and specimen type should we use when ordering and billing a BMP?
The specimen is blood collected in an SST, and the requisition order code is BMP. A CPT code is not listed in the materials available for this page. Contact TLS at 248.800.6626 to confirm billing details.
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