What Are the Risks of BMP?

A BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) is a series of tests order by a physician to gain valuable information concerning your health. A BMP tests your sugar levels, calcium levels, sodium levels, carbon dioxide levels, electrolytes, and waste products filtered out by the kidneys called BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine. The BMP has been determined to be a safe procedure. However, with any medical procedure there are risks involved.

Fainting and Dizziness

• A BMP requires blood to be drawn which can cause fainting or dizziness. This is because when your blood is drawn there is a drop in blood pressure. Then there can be stress caused by the drop in blood pressure, so when you stand up quickly blood drains from your head causing you to faint or become dizzy. Men's Health Magazine says that you can prevent fainting and dizziness before giving blood if you drink 16 ounces of water a half hour prior to giving blood. More than 150,000 people each year faint or become dizzy after giving blood.

Hematoma

• Hematoma is another potential risk from taking the BMP. Hematoma is blood that builds up under the skin which can cause lumps or bruises. Hematoma is sometimes painful but it is not a serious issue. A hematoma normally will disappear in a few days. Medical personnel can prevent a hematoma when drawing blood in several ways, including using major veins and making sure the needle completely goes through the uppermost wall of the vein.

Pain

• Another risk of the BMP is pain. The pain level depends on how good the medical specialist is at drawing blood. Sometimes new nurses have trouble locating the vein and they will stick you with needle and search for the vein under the skin, which can cause excruciating pain. However, if the nurse is experienced you should only experience a small amount of pain with the initial stick. Yet, if you have a bruise or hematoma afterwards, you may experience pain for a few days.