What is a BMP blood test?
Also known as: basic metabolic panel, BMP, chem-8
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a common blood test that measures 8 substances to check your blood sugar, kidney function, electrolyte balance, and calcium. Doctors order it for routine checkups, to monitor conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and to check how medications affect your body. It's the shorter cousin of the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), which adds liver and protein tests. Most results are reported against a normal reference range printed on your report.
What each BMP result means
The BMP groups into four areas. Tap any linked marker for a full explanation of high and low results.
Blood sugar
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| GlucoseBlood sugar level at the time of the draw. | Blood sugar level at the time of the draw. | 70–99 mg/dL (fasting) |
Kidney function
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| BUN (blood urea nitrogen)A waste product filtered by the kidneys. | A waste product filtered by the kidneys. | 7–20 mg/dL |
| CreatinineA muscle waste product used to gauge kidney filtering. | A muscle waste product used to gauge kidney filtering. | 0.6–1.3 mg/dL |
| eGFREstimated kidney filtration rate (often calculated from creatinine). | Estimated kidney filtration rate (often calculated from creatinine). | ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m² |
Electrolytes & fluid balance
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| SodiumKey electrolyte for fluid balance and nerves. | Key electrolyte for fluid balance and nerves. | 135–145 mmol/L |
| PotassiumElectrolyte critical for heart and muscle function. | Electrolyte critical for heart and muscle function. | 3.5–5.0 mmol/L |
| ChlorideElectrolyte for fluid and pH balance. | Electrolyte for fluid and pH balance. | 96–106 mmol/L |
| CO2 (bicarbonate)Buffer that reflects acid-base balance. | Buffer that reflects acid-base balance. | 23–29 mmol/L |
Minerals
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| CalciumMineral vital for bones, nerves and muscles. | Mineral vital for bones, nerves and muscles. | 8.5–10.2 mg/dL |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Use the ranges printed on your own report as the definitive comparison.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a BMP blood test used for?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a routine screening test that checks 8 substances in your blood to assess blood sugar, kidney function, electrolyte balance, and calcium. Doctors order it for general checkups, to monitor conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and to check the effects of medications such as diuretics.
What is the difference between a BMP and a CMP?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) includes 8 tests focused on blood sugar, kidney function, electrolytes, and calcium. A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) adds 6 more — liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), bilirubin, total protein, and albumin — for 14 tests total. Your doctor chooses based on what they need to check.
Do I need to fast for a BMP?
Often yes. Because the BMP includes glucose, you're usually asked to fast for 8–12 hours beforehand (water is fine) so the blood sugar result is accurate. Follow the specific instructions your provider or lab gives you.
What does an abnormal BMP result mean?
It depends on which value is off. High glucose can point to diabetes; abnormal BUN, creatinine, or eGFR can reflect kidney function; and sodium, potassium, chloride, or CO2 outside range can signal dehydration, medication effects, or electrolyte imbalances. A single abnormal value is interpreted by your doctor alongside your history and is often rechecked.
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Medically reviewed by Antonieta Rueda, MD and Kyle R. Toth, MD · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your lab results.