A basic metabolic panel (BMP) (also urea and electrolytes or U&E, or urea, electrolytes, creatinine, or UEC or EUC in some countries) is a set of seven or eight blood chemical tests and is one of the most common lab tests ordered by health care providers. The BMP provides key information regarding fluid and electrolyte status, kidney function, blood sugar levels, and response to various medications and other medical therapies. It is frequently employed as a screening tool during a physical exam.
The basic metabolic panel is a simpler version of the Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), which includes tests for liver function.
Components
The version with seven tests is often referred to by medical professionals in USA as the "CHEM-7", or "SMA-7" (Sequential Multiple Analysis-7). Because it is such a common test, this term is commonly sprinkled into the scripts of popular American TV medical dramas, increasing public exposure to the term.
The seven parts of a CHEM-7 are tests for: