What it means
One of the most common blood tests. It measures glucoseGLOO-kohsA simple sugar that is the body's main source of energy.gluc/o sweet, sugar-ose sugarFull entry , sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry , potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry , chloride, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry , blood urea nitrogenblud yoo-REE-uh NY-truh-jenA blood test that measures urea nitrogen, a waste product made when the body breaks down protein.Full entry (BUN) and creatininekree-AT-uh-neenA waste product of muscle that the kidneys remove from the blood; its blood level is used to measure how well the kidneys work.Full entry . "Chem 7" is a similar group without calcium. The comprehensive metabolic panel adds liver tests and proteins.
For the nurse
Review the results before giving drugs that affect them, such as diuretics, insulin, potassium and digoxin, and report values outside the normal range, especially potassium.
At a glance
| Normal range | Each test has its own range; see the entry for each one. |
|---|---|
| Also written | BMP, basic metabolic profile, chem 7 |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
glucose
A simple sugar that is the body's main source of energy.
creatinine
A waste product of muscle that the kidneys remove from the blood; its blood level is used to measure how well the kidneys work.
blood urea nitrogen
A blood test that measures urea nitrogen, a waste product made when the body breaks down protein.