The Basic Metabolic Panel Blood Test

For the last couple of decades prior to our quarterly medical check up, Macrine and I are required by our family physician to take the basic metabolic panel blood test. I was curious why and what possible diseases it can detect. Here's a summary of what I found in the web for your information.

The tests that make up the basic metabolic panel are blood (serum) tests for:

1. BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
This test measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood.

2. CO2 (carbon dioxide or bicarbonate)
This test references lung and kidney function.

3. Creatinine
Creatinine levels can tell your doctor how your kidneys are functioning.

4. Glucose
A glucose test checks your blood sugar levels—abnormally high or low glucose levels could indicate a range of issues.

5. Sodium
This test determines if the concentration of sodium is within normal limits. It is part of your electrolyte panel.

6. Potassium
Your potassium levels are tested as part of your electrolyte panel.

7. Calcium
Testing for the calcium levels in your blood can help determine if there is a kidney, bone, or nervous system problem.

8. Chloride
Chloride levels are checked as part of your electrolyte panel.

9. Albumin
A few laboratories also include tests for albumin, which tests blood protein levels to test for kidney and liver disease.

The basic metabolic panel can give your doctor a good idea if you have any serious problems with: blood filtration, acid/base balance of your blood, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte levels. This can help uncover kidney problems, lung problems, certain heart problems, and problems with your pancreas or insulin metabolism. More detailed tests and additional will be ordered if any of these basic indicators are abnormal.

One advantage of a panel of tests is that many tests can be done with just one blood sample that is divided up in the laboratory.

For Colon Cancer: There is the SimpliPro Colon test but it is not intended for use as a screening test or for patients without symptoms associated with colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma. You will need to have a colonoscopy to confirm if you have colon cancer.

Reference:https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003462.htm

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