What is the basic metabolic panel?
The basic metabolic panel is a blood test that measures sugar and electrolyte levels in the body. It also measures how well the kidneys work. This medical test is one of the most common blood tests that doctors have ordered to help diagnose and treat many health conditions.
The basic metabolic panel consists of eight tests. Glucose level is part of this blood work. Glucose is a specific type of sugar that the body uses for energy. If the level is too high, it could mean diabetes, or it could be a reaction to drugs.
Another important part of the base metabolic panel is the sodium level. Sodium is both electrolyte and mineral. If the sodium level in the blood is too high, it exposes the risk of a heart attack or stroke. High sodium levels also cause the body to maintain liquid, causing swelling of the limbs. Low sodium levels can cause confusion and muscle weakness.
Potassium is another important piece of the basic livestock panel. PotassiumIt regulates the amount of fluid that goes in and out of the cells of the body. Potassium levels that are too high or too low may have serious consequences. Abnormal levels can cause weakness, confusion, paralysis and changes in the heart rhythm. Potassium levels can be affected by drugs, diseases and other electrolytes in the body.
In addition to the electrolyte levels in the blood, the base metabolic panel also checks. It does this by testing nitrogen of blood urea (bun) and creatinine levels in the blood. Both tests inform doctors to know how well the kidneys work or whether certain medicines damage the kidney function.
urea is a by -product of a protein that is produced in the liver and fainted with urine. If the kidneys are not able to remove urea from the body, the urea level will be high. Creatinin is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys. If the kidneys are damaged, blood creatinine levels will be high. HLADiny buns and creatinine will also be high if the individual is dehydrated.
Any abnormalities in the basic metabolic panel should be solved by a doctor. If the individual was patient, the levels of electrolytes may be abnormal. In most cases, these levels stabilize as soon as the individual becomes well. The doctor may sometimes have to change the medication to correct abnormalities.