BMP

What Is a BMP Chart?

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is derived from blood samples and can provide a medical practitioner with a suite of lab results covering the patient's electrolyte levels, fluid balance, sugar metabolism, and kidney functioning. Abnormal levels derived from a BMP can indicate and lead to the diagnosis of lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions requiring medical intervention. This crucial charting tool helps to collate the key parameters for the following eight key substances within the bloodstream:

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• Glucose
• Calcium
• Sodium
• Chloride
• Potassium 
• CO2
• BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) 
• Creatinine 

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BMP is typically measured through plasma retrieval and is often referred to as part of a chemistry screen or chem 7. This is a broad test that can check multiple body functions and is a crucial aspect of monitoring chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease. Abnormal levels of any of the eight substances indicate the need for further testing and analysis, as the imbalance may indicate a serious health risk or issue. 

This BMP chart helps to collate the essential results from a laboratory and compare them against the recommended parameters for confident analysis and further intervention plans. Store this chart conveniently on the Carepatron centralized workspace and navigate all related clinical notes, patient appointments, and relevant charting in one easy-to-access and use app!

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Gather your Resources

BMP charts are a valuable resource and essential to keep on hand. Make sure that you have one when the need arises by either clicking the “Download Template” or “Use Template” button or by searching “ BMP Chart” on Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the website or app.

Step 2: Collate Essential Information

Fill out all essential patient information, including any relevant medical history that may impact the scores. Medication use, high blood pressure, or recent vomiting and diarrhea should be indicated. After conducting the blood test, analyze the measures provided by the laboratory against the parameters to determine the presence of abnormal values and identify the need for further intervention. 

Should there be a cause for concern and any abnormal parameters, the medical professional may request a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to look further into liver function.  

Step 3:  Store the Template Securely

After reviewing the results and hosting a consultation with your patient and or relevant specialists, you need to secure the BMP chart so that access is only granted to relevant parties. 

Ensure this through Carepatrons HIPAA-compliant free patient records software. Here, all relevant medical records can be safely stored and collated for ease and security.

BMP Chart Example (Sample)

What to utilize this vital diagnosing assistance tool? Obtain a complimentary, downloadable, and printable completed BMP chart PDF. 

We've designed this sample template filled with fictional data to assist you in effectively utilizing the chart and analyzing the parameters of the eight substances under the BMP. Space for clinical notes, as well as a screening section for at-risk factors, are conveniently included. 

Obtain your copy by either previewing the sample below or clicking the "Download Example PDF" button.

Download your free BMP Chart PDF here

When Would You Use This Chart?

Screening and Diagnosis 

The BMP collates eight different measures present within the bloodstream to help with medical screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness. A medical professional would utilize this test and chart when there is suspicion of electrolyte imbalance, acid-base imbalance, or compromised kidney function. 

This test covers a wide range of substances present in the bloodstream and can be of great value when addressing quite broad issues such as breathing issues, fatigue, long periods of vomiting or diarrhea, and confusion. BMP may assist in the identification of underlying health concerns that are asymptomatic. 

Monitoring 

BMP may be used within a regular check-up scenario, but it is not always required. Rather, a BMP can offer great insight into the changes over time should the patient have a history of abnormal test results, and a BMP can help identify the validity and success of treatment intervention. Monitoring results can help with further decision-making around the best course of action for treatment plans.

What Do the Results Mean?

Here are what various BMP Chart results mean:

Glucose

Looking at the amount of blood sugar present, this range should sit between 70-100 mg/dL for a patient who fasted before blood was drawn. Depending on medical institution guidelines, this range can be extended to around 125 mg/dL for a patient who has consumed food or beverages before their blood test. 

If the patient has a low glucose level, hypoglycemia may be present. This low result is typical for patients with diabetes receiving oral medication or insulin. If the glucose level sits above this range, hyperglycemia may be present. Patients with poorly managed diabetes or blood sugar spiking medications may present with a high glucose level in the BMP.

Calcium

The parameters for typical calcium levels are 8.5 to 10.5 mg/L. Low calcium levels are termed hypocalcemia and are tied to the functioning of the parathyroid gland, as well as vitamin D intake. Poor intake of vitamin D can affect the patient's ability to absorb calcium. 

A high level of calcium present on the BMP, or hypercalcemia, may be caused by an overactive parathyroid gland. Hypercalcemia indicates a need to monitor the patient's renal status, as there is an increased risk of developing kidney stones. 

Sodium

Typical levels of sodium are represented by 135 mEg/L to 145 mEg/L. Hyponatremia, or low sodium, may be the result of poor kidney function. Diuretics like thiazide may affect the kidney's ability to process sodium, and hyponatremia can also be present in patients suffering from diarrhea. Hypernatremia may be a sign of dehydration and poor renal functioning. 

Chloride

The parameters for typical chloride levels are 95 mEg/L to 105 mEg/L. Hypochloremia may be present in the patient if they have severe lung disease or are on loop diuretics, as this can affect chloride absorption. Hyperchloremia indicates that the patient may have renal issues.  

Potassium

Potassium levels in the blood should be between the parameters of 3.5 mEg/L to 5 mEg/L. This is a crucial level as a patient's potassium level has the potential to change the functioning and toxicity of certain medications. Loop diuretics or corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia, there are also diseases such as Cushing's syndrome that can lower a patient's potassium levels through poor kidney function. Renal failure and Addison’s disease can lead to Increased potassium through low aldosterone production, which prohibits the kidneys from excreting potassium. 

CO2

Typical levels of carbon dioxide in the blood sit between 21 mEg/L to 31 mEg/L. This is a key level that contributes to the acid-base balance within the body and a byproduct of metabolism, presenting as bicarbonate. Low levels of C02 indicate acidic blood and potential acidic diabetic ketoacidosis or drug-related toxicity such as aspirin toxicity. An increased CO2 level may be present in patients with respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

BUN

A key indication of renal function, this measures the amount of urea nitrogen present in the bloodstream. A typical range for this sits between 6 to 20. A high BUN indicates kidney issues, and a cross-analysis with creatinine levels is essential.

Creatinine

This level typically sits between 0.6 mg/dL to 1.3 mg/dL, and this small range is due to the fact creatinine should only exist in very small amounts in the bloodstream. Kidneys are meant to filter creatinine out, so a high level indicates poor kidney function. In this situation, an Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) should be taken and sit above 60. If this rate is below 60, then renal insufficiency is present.

Research & Evidence

A BMP is a common and well-utilized tool for measuring crucial substances within the blood and helps to conclude the body's chemical balance as well as metabolic health. The eight substances are directly linked to kidney function and health, acid and base balance within the patient's bloodstream, and electrolyte balance (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). 

This is a valuable test in terms of electrolyte balance, as electrolytes assist the body's blood chemistry, muscle functioning, and multiple other processes. By tracking changes in sodium, calcium, potassium, and chloride, the body's acid-base level can be observed, and conclusions can be drawn around the nutrients that are accessible to cells (MedlinePlus, n.d.). 

The history of metabolic panels is somewhat vague, but it can be assumed that this thorough lab test derives from the need to collect as much information as possible from a patient's blood sample to help create a bigger picture of their inner chemistry. Blood testing is universally recognized as a valid step in early diagnosis for asymptomatic patients (NHS, 2018), and the relatively nonintrusive test is a trusted tool for further tracking of the body's response to medical interventions (British Heart Foundation, 2022).

Why Use Carepatron as Your BMP App?

Choosing Carepatron as your preferred application for interpreting a basic metabolic panel and analyzing electrolytes, fluid balance, sugar metabolism, and kidney function offers healthcare practitioners numerous benefits.

Carepatron provides a centralized workspace, enabling you to efficiently manage clinical documents and electronic patient records, set reminders for patient appointments, and seamlessly handle medical billing—all within the platform. This eliminates the need for additional software downloads, presenting an integrated and comprehensive approach that simplifies BMP charting and various other tasks. This streamlined process allows you to focus the majority of your time, attention, and effort on patient care, providing peace of mind.

Devoted to providing an efficient and productive platform for healthcare professionals, Carepatron allows the customization of tools and workflows to meet individual needs. It empowers both practitioners and patients to manage administrative tasks like service booking and paperwork completion. The app facilitates easy sharing of essential documents and data, ensuring a high-quality customer experience.

We are committed to radical accessibility, ensuring our app is available on any device you have. Our portable medical dictation software simplifies clinical note-making and updates, ensuring an effortless process. We prioritize the security of all notes, clinical records, results, and practitioner data by adhering to global security requirements, including HIPAA, GDPR, and HITRUST.

References

AHRQ. (n.d.). Fluid and Electrolyte Balance | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program. Effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/health-topics/fluid-and-electrolyte-balance#:~:text=Electrolytes%20are%20minerals%20in%20your

British Heart Foundation. (2022). Blood tests: What happens during a blood test and what can the results show? Www.bhf.org.uk. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/tests/blood-tests

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, November 4). Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): What It Is, Procedure & Results. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22020-basic-metabolic-panel-bmp

Healthline. (2017, February 28). Basic Metabolic Panel: Procedure, Preparation, and Risks. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/basic-metabolic-panel#purpose

Kampfrath, T. (2021, September 10). Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP). Testing.com. https://www.testing.com/tests/basic-metabolic-panel-bmp/

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Fluid and Electrolyte Balance. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html#:~:text=Electrolytes%20are%20important%20because%20they

NHS. (2018, October 3). Blood tests. Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-tests/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20a%20blood%20test

RegisteredNurseRN. (2020). Metabolic Panel Explained: Basic (BMP) & Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Lab Values for Nurses. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2va2aT6IqrU