Basic Metabolic Panel

What is a Basic Metabolic Panel?

A (BMP) is a blood test that measures substances in a patient�??s blood. Typically, the substances the test measures are:

• Glucose
• Calcium
• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
• Creatinine
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Carbon Dioxide
• Chloride

These substances provide information on a patient�??s overall health. More specifically, with these substances, practitioners know the functioning of essential organs in a patient�??s body, especially the kidneys and lungs.

Aside from that, practitioners gain insight into the progression of a patient�??s chronic condition, metabolic function, and levels of chemicals present in their body.

How Does It Work?

Step One. Access and Download the Template

Having a copy of the digital and printable version of the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) template. So, obtain a copy by either:

• Clicking the �??Use Template�?� and �??Download Template�?� button
• Searching �??Basic Metabolic Panel�?� in Carepatron�??s template library�??s search bar on the app or website

Step Two. Assess and Interview the Patient

Before you request a blood metabolic panel (BMP), you must either interview your patient or do a physical examination to assess their current condition. You, out of anyone, would know that a patient doesn�??t have to be ill for you to request a BMP. You can also request it if the patient undergoes a routine health checkup.

Don�??t forget to remind the patient to prepare beforehand by fasting hours before the collection.

Step Three. Collect the Blood Sample

The patient will use the template at the laboratory to prove that the referring physician has requested the basic metabolic panel (BMP) test. Only then will the practitioner in charge collect a blood sample.

Step Four. Analysis and Interpretation

Afterward, the client can leave the request form with the lab technician so they have a guide of what exactly to test. Alternatively, if the lab technician has their template, the client can bring it home and get it with the referring physician during interpretation.

Step Five. Securely Store the Template

Whether or not the lab technician and the referring physician use the template, you or the practitioner should store the template at a secure physical location on Carepatron. Only relevant parties can access the template in this free clinical documentation software when needed.

Basic Metabolic Panel Test Example (Sample)

We�??ve provided a filled-out PDF file of a request form for the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test. Feel free to use it as a guide or educational resource. Do note, however, that the answers in the template are fictional. 

Obtain a copy by viewing the sample below or clicking the �??Download Example PDF.�?�

Download this Basic Metabolic Panel Test Example:

What Do the Results Mean?

Even if the lab technician can provide an interpretation of the results, in case you need it, here�??s a general idea of what the results mean per substance:

• Glucose: Fasting glucose levels must typically be between 70-99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Anything higher than the upper limit may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Meanwhile, anything lower than the lower limit may indicate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). 
• Calcium: The normal calcium levels in the blood are between 8.5-10.2 mg/dL. If a patient�??s calcium levels are higher than the upper limit, it may suggest hypercalcemia related to hyperparathyroidism or cancer. Meanwhile, if their levels are lower than the lower limit, it can indicate hypocalcemia related to hypoparathyroidism or vitamin D deficiency. 
• Creatinine: The typical range for creatinine in adult men is 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL, while for adult women is 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL. Higher levels may indicate poor kidney function. 
• Sodium: Normal results are typically between 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Any higher than the upper limit and the patient may have hypernatremia. Any lower than the lower limit, the patient may have hyponatremia. 
• Potassium: Normal potassium levels are 3.5 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). If the levels are too high, the patient may have hyperkalemia, while too-low levels may indicate hypokalemia. 
• Chloride: The normal range for chloride in the blood is between 96 and 106 mEq/L. The patient may have hyperchloremia if it�??s higher than the upper limit. On the other hand, the patient may have hypochloremia if it�??s lower than the lower limit. 
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A normal range is 20 - 29 mmol/L; any higher or lower than that can signify a problem with one�??s lungs or kidney.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Anything above the normal range of 6 to 20 mg/dL can indicate that the kidneys aren�??t working correctly. 

One important thing to note about these results is that the ranges may vary, and interpretation has to be made by the referring physician since they must also consider one�??s symptoms, medical history, etc. 

Research & Evidence

Since the basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a well-established medical test used by practitioners worldwide, there are years of numerous research studies and clinical experience that have already proved its utility. It has become an invaluable tool in medical care to help healthcare practitioners diagnose and monitor a patient�??s overall health and conditions. It is still recommended, however, that the BMP test be combined with other tests for a more accurate diagnosis. 

Why Use Carepatron as Your Basic Metabolic Panel App?

Beyond being a software and app to get your basic metabolic panel (BMP) templates, Carepatron is also a general practice software that healthcare practitioners can and have been using to be more efficient and productive. 

With Carepatron�??s tools and features located on a single platform, aforementioned medical professionals can automate tasks like:

• Appointment Reminders: You can set up a system that can send automated reminders of appointments and even payment reminders to clients and patients.
• Medical Billing: Process payments more quickly and offer more payment options to clients and patients. 

Aside from those, with Carepatron, you can streamline processes related to:

• Patient Records: You can easily input patient details and search for records when needed. 
• Clinical Documentation: Instead of starting from scratch, save time and effort with over 1,000 templates of invoices, notes, and medical documents you can customize, complete, store, and access digitally. 

You can do all these and more with practice management software like Carepatron. So, don�??t miss out on the chance to improve the caliber of your practice. Sign up for a free account on Carepatron today!