Basic Metabolic Panel, Plasma
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Plasma
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
The Basic Metabolic Panel is a set of 8 tests that give important information about the body's chemical balance and metabolism. This includes checking the body's electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney function, and acid-base balance. It's often part of a regular health check-up or when you're admitted to the hospital.
- Creatinine
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
- Calcium
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Carbon Dioxide
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Glucose (Blood)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
The Basic Metabolic Panel is a set of 8 tests that give important information about the body's chemical balance and metabolism. This includes checking the body's electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney function, and acid-base balance. It's often part of a regular health check-up or when you're admitted to the hospital.
Why might someone need this test?
Providers order this test for routine health screenings, hospital admissions, and to keep an eye on patients with conditions like high blood pressure, especially if they're taking certain medications. It helps in diagnosing and managing conditions related to changes in the body's chemical balance, such as kidney failure, respiratory issues, and cognitive impairments.
What does this test measure?
- Sodium: Helps maintain normal fluid distribution and pressure in the body.
- Potassium: Crucial for muscle and nerve function.
- Chloride: Maintains body fluid volume, acidity, and electrical neutrality.
- Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate): Assesses the body's acid-base balance.
- Glucose: The body's main energy source.
- Calcium: Essential for nerve, muscle, and heart functions, and bone health.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Indicates protein metabolism and kidney function.
- Creatinine: A muscle waste product, indicating kidney health.
- eGFR: Estimates kidney function based on creatinine and other factors.
What type of sample is required?
1 mL of plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube is needed for this test.
2–4 business days
Fasting for 8 hours before your blood draw is recommended but not required.
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 72 hours
- Reject Criteria: NA
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
