Basic Metabolic Panel ( BMP) is a collection of 8 test : Glucose, BUN, Creatinine, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Carbon Dioxide. We have added Blood Ph instead of Carbon Dioxide due to logistic issue.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel ( CMP ) : includes all the tests of Basic Metabolic Panel ( BMP ) plus some other tests in synthesis of proteins and Liver enzymes like Total Protein, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, SGOT ( AST) , SGPT ( ALT ). Slight modification done by adding fractions of Bilirubin and Protein fraction ratios
BASIC METABOLIC PANEL (BMP)
What is a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a group of test that usually measures eight different substances in a blood sample collected. The panel provides useful information about body's chemical balance and metabolism status. In Simple words : This gives information about how the body is transforming the food being ate into energy. A BMP also measures few electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid, also known as anions and cations. These electrolytes in blood has roles in nerve conduction and muscle function and also maintains the acid-base balance (pH balance) of our blood aa well as in maintaining water balance.
What tests are included in a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?
Classically a basic metabolic panel measures the following substances in a blood sample
BUN (blood urea nitrogen): This is a measurement of urea, which is a waste product that your kidneys help remove from your blood.
Creatinine: This is a byproduct of muscle activity. It’s a waste product that your kidneys filter and remove from your blood.
Glucose: This is a type of sugar and provides energy for our body and brain. Glucose is also known as blood sugar. Elevated blood glucose is often a sign of diabetes.
Calcium: Calcium is one of the most important and common minerals in your body. While most of the calcium are found in bones, some part are in circulation in blood either in bound or free form . While the free calcium in blood is known as Ionic Calcium, a total of free and bound Calcium is the more commonly measured one and known as Total Calcium. Blood calcium is essential for proper functioning of your nerves, muscles and heart. It also helps with blood clotting when you’re injured. We have included both Total and Ionic Calcium in our Metabolic Panels.
Sodium: Most of your sodium comes from the food you eat, and your kidneys help regulate your body’s sodium levels.
Potassium: Potassium comes from the food you eat and is present in all tissues of your body.
Bicarbonate ( Blood Ph) : Bicarbonate indicates the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in your blood. we have replaced this test with a Blood Ph test to measure the acid base balance
Chloride: Chloride functions along with sodium, potassium and bicarbonate to control many processes in your body.
When is a basic metabolic panel ordered ?
Based on the situation following may be the objective :
Diagnostic : A BMP may help the health care provider diagnose certain medical conditions.
Screening: As an attempt to find health issues before someone has symptoms. This may help find certain conditions in their early stages.
Monitoring: As part of treatment progress and follow up. BMPs can also help check for side effects of certain medications, especially those that can affect kidneys. Sometimes a CMP may better help as that helps monitoring Liver function in addition. We can also compare a set of new values for each test with a past BMP test value to see if levels have changed over time.
☆There are many reasons that healthcare providers may order a basic metabolic panel (BMP). These includes but not limited to :
* Kidney function and health.
* Blood sugar levels.
* The acid and base balance in blood.
* Your fluid and electrolyte balance.
Healthcare service provider may also order this panel if someone is experiencing a more general symptom, such as:
* Fatigue or unexplained weakness
* Confusion or drowsiness
* Multiple episodes of vomiting
* Severe bouts of loose motion
* Respiratory difficulty
* Muscle weakness
* Seizure Disorders
* Prolonged or very high Fever
When do we need a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) can provide helpful information in many different situations, including:
* In an emergency room set up
* When experiencing symptoms related to kidney and/or metabolism issues.
* While experiencing a general symptom, such as fatigue, weakness or vomiting.
* To monitor certain chronic conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure or kidney disease.
* To compare with a prior test result that was abnormal and to see if levels have changed or remain abnormal.
* Before starting a new medication that may affect your kidney function.
* During treatment with certain medications known to cause kidney or electrolyte disturbances.
Is any preparation needed before a basic metabolic panel (BMP)?
Yes one may need to fast for at least eight hours before a basic metabolic panel blood test. Fasting for this blood panel means not eating or drinking anything other than water. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions when they order the test for you. Sometimes in an emergency set up samples may be drawn at any time of the day
COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL ( CMP )
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
What is a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)?
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a test that measures sa me tests from a BASIC METABOLIC PANEL ( BMP )plus a few different substances in your blood which includes some proteins and enzymes synthesized in liver . It provides important information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metabolism is the process of how the body uses food and energy. A CMP hence includes following additional tests in addition to BMP tests as above.
Serum Albumin : A kind of protein made in the liver.
Total Serum protein : A sum total of kinds of protein measurable in the blood.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme and part of Liver function.
ALT (alanine transaminase) or SGPT is also an enzyme specific to liver function
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) or SGOT is used to assess liver function but may also be elevated in Muscle disorders or red blood cells etc.
Bilirubin, a waste product made by the liver. Usually two fractions measured TOTAL BILIRUBIN and Direct Bilirubin and a derived fraction known as Indirect Bilirubin.
Abnormal levels of any of these substances or combination of them can be a sign of a serious health problem. A BMP panel gives indication of Blood Sugar, Kidney function and Electrolyte balance. A CMP panel will give additional information of Liver function and hence a more comprehensive idea of Metabolism in respect to many health conditions.
What is it used for?
A CMP is used to check several body functions and processes, including but not limited to :
* Liver and kidney health
* Blood sugar levels
* Blood protein levels
* Acid and base balance
* Fluid and electrolyte balance
Why do I need a CMP? *A CMP is often done as part of a regular checkup.
* If health care provider thinks of liver or kidney disease.
* Before starting certain medications or during or after certain medications to assess possible side effects.
* During high fever or severe infections to monitor overall organ function.
* To diagnose certain medical conditions or effects of certain diseases on metabolic functions.
Do we need any preparation prior, to prepare for the test? Yes, one may need to fast (not eat or drink) for at least 8 hours ( overnight) before the test. However many a time a Healthcare provider may order this panel on discretion any time of Day.
What do the results mean?
Abnormal results may indicate a number of different conditions. These include liver disease, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, or diabetes. Your Doctor may need more tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis or condition. It is advisable to consult your Physician for more explanations and questions about test results and its implications.
HOW is a CMP different from BMP ? A BMP panel includes some of the same tests which are included CMP. However It does not include the tests which gives informationof Liver function which are very important and central to Metabolic activity. Hence a CMP is considered superior to BMP in assessing metabolic function.
Health care provider may however choose a CMP or a BMP depending on your health condition, severity and availability of logistic and infrastructure in a setup.
*You can order both the tests on the advise of a Healthcare provider at Pinnacle Diagnostics Biswanath Chariali. For more information feel free to contact us.
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