Ulta Lab Tests

Blood Chemistry Tests (Blood Disorder)

Blood chemistry tests—often grouped as a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)—measure electrolytes, kidney and liver markers, glucose, proteins, and other analytes that influence blood health. While a complete blood count (CBC) looks at cells (red cells, white cells, platelets), chemistry tests show the environment those cells live in and uncover conditions that can cause, complicate, or mimic blood disorders.

Use blood chemistry testing to help evaluate fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, easy bruising/bleeding, or suspected issues like iron deficiency, hemolysis, acidosis/alkalosis, dehydration, kidney or liver problems, and gout. Order online with Ulta Lab Tests, visit a local draw site, and get fast, secure results to share with your clinician for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.

Signs & Symptoms (When to consider testing)

  • General: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches

  • Cardiopulmonary: shortness of breath, palpitations

  • Neuromuscular: cramps, tingling, tremor, confusion (electrolyte shifts)

  • Fluid status: thirst, swelling, dehydration signs

  • Bleeding/bruising: nosebleeds, gum bleeding (often evaluated with coag labs, but chemistry gives context)

  • Metabolic clues: nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of skin/eyes (bilirubin), sudden painful joint (uric acid/gout)

  • Chronic disease: diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders (chemistry results often reflect or impact these)

Related search terms: blood chemistry panel, CMP test, BMP test, electrolyte panel, liver function tests (LFTs), kidney function tests, anion gap, osmolality, lactate, bilirubin, uric acid.

Why These Tests Matter

What blood chemistry can do

  • Reveal electrolyte and acid–base problems that drive symptoms or worsen anemia/bleeding disorders

  • Clarify kidney (BUN/creatinine/eGFR) and liver (AST/ALT/ALP/bilirubin/albumin) status that may cause or complicate blood conditions

  • Identify metabolic stress (glucose, lactate), inflammation or cell breakdown (LDH), and gout risk (uric acid)

  • Provide baseline and trend data to monitor response to care

What it cannot do

  • Replace a CBC for diagnosing cell-based blood disorders

  • Pinpoint the exact cause without your history, exam, and (when needed) additional testing (e.g., iron studies, hemolysis panel, coagulation tests)

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Electrolytes: Sodium (Na?), Potassium (K?), Chloride (Cl?), CO2/bicarbonate → hydration, acid–base balance; used to calculate anion gap

  • Kidney function: Creatinine, BUN, eGFR → detects kidney impairment that can worsen anemia or affect medication clearance

  • Glucose: screens for diabetes and hypoglycemia; extremes can mimic anemia symptoms

  • Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus: muscle/nerve function, bone metabolism; abnormalities can cause cramps, weakness, arrhythmias

  • Liver panel: AST, ALT, ALP, total/direct bilirubin, albumin, total protein → jaundice evaluation, synthetic function; bilirubin ↑ + LDH ↑ + haptoglobin ↓ can support hemolysis context (haptoglobin not in CMP)

  • LDH: non-specific marker of cell turnover/hemolysis; interpret with bilirubin/haptoglobin and CBC

  • Uric Acid: helps evaluate gout and tumor lysis risk (in oncology settings)

  • Lactate: marker of tissue hypoxia/lactic acidosis (sepsis, poor perfusion, some meds)

  • Osmolality / Osmolal Gap: screens for toxic alcohols and mixed metabolic states (ordered selectively)

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Order online: choose a CMP/BMP or targeted chemistry markers.

  2. Visit a local lab: fast blood draw; some tests may also require urine.

  3. Get results quickly: most chemistry results are available within 24–48 hours.

  4. Review with your clinician: interpret alongside symptoms, CBC, and other labs.

Fasting may be recommended for some panels (check the individual test instructions).

Interpreting Results (general guidance)

  • Low CO2 (bicarbonate) or high anion gap → consider metabolic acidosis (see Acidosis & Alkalosis)

  • High CO2/bicarbonate → may indicate metabolic alkalosis or compensation

  • Creatinine/BUN ↑ → kidney impairment (can worsen anemia or alter drug handling)

  • AST/ALT/ALP/bilirubin ↑ → liver injury/cholestasis; indirect bilirubin ↑ + LDH ↑ may support hemolysiscontext

  • Albumin ↓ → chronic illness, liver disease, malnutrition; affects drug/protein binding

  • Uric acid ↑ → consider gout (especially with acute monoarthritis)

  • Calcium/Magnesium/Phosphorus shifts → cramps, paresthesias, arrhythmias, bone issues

Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Broad screening: start with a CMP (or BMP if liver markers aren’t needed) to assess electrolytes, kidney, liver, glucose, proteins

  • Anemia with jaundice: CMP + LDH, haptoglobin (hemolysis context)

  • Bleeding/bruising: CMP for context; pair with PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer as indicated

  • Suspected gout: add uric acid ± CRP during a flare

  • Acid–base symptoms: electrolytes with CO2 to compute anion gap; consider lactate and osmolality based on presentation

FAQs

What’s the difference between a CMP and a BMP?
A BMP covers electrolytes, kidney function, glucose, and CO2; a CMP includes those plus liver markers and proteins.

Do chemistry tests replace a CBC for anemia?
No. Chemistry tests provide context (kidney/liver, electrolytes, acid–base), while a CBC evaluates the blood cellsthemselves.

Do I need to fast?
Some panels recommend fasting (often 8–12 hours)—check the specific test instructions on your order.

Can abnormal electrolytes cause anemia-like symptoms?
Yes. Electrolyte disorders can cause fatigue, weakness, cramps, and heart rhythm changes that feel similar to anemia.

How soon are results ready?
Most chemistry results are available within 24–48 hours after your draw.

Why would my doctor order both CMP and other blood disorder tests?
To see both the cellular picture (CBC/coag/iron, etc.) and the metabolic landscape (chemistry), which together guide diagnosis and care.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Blood Disorders Hub

  • Bleeding Disorders

  • Hemolytic Anemia

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia

  • Acidosis & Alkalosis

  • Key Lab Tests: CMP • BMP • Electrolyte Panel • Liver Panel • Kidney Panel • LDH • Bilirubin • Uric Acid • Lactate • Osmolality • Anion Gap

Available Tests & Panels

Tip: Begin with a CMP for a wide overview; add LDH/haptoglobin for hemolysis context, uric acid for gout, or lactate/osmolality when acidosis or toxins are suspected.

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The Blood Chemistry - Basic Panel is an essential diagnostic tool that provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's metabolic health, including liver and kidney function, electrolyte and fluid balance, and cholesterol levels. This panel is crucial for detecting underlying health issues, monitoring existing conditions, and guiding treatment decisions.
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The Blood Chemistry - Basic Plus Panel is an enhanced set of blood tests designed to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's metabolic health, liver function, blood sugar levels, iron status, lipid profile, kidney health, and more. This panel is a step above the basic blood chemistry panel, offering additional insights into your health and helping to detect potential health issues early.
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The Blood Chemistry - Advanced Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that offers a deep dive into your metabolic functions, organ health, and nutritional status. This panel combines a variety of tests, each designed to provide crucial insights into different aspects of your body's biochemistry, aiding in the early detection of diseases, monitoring ongoing conditions, and guiding treatment decisions.
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The Blood Chemistry - Comprehensive Panel is a meticulously curated set of tests designed to provide a holistic view of your overall health. It integrates vital blood tests to assess the functionality of major organs, the status of metabolic processes, and the balance of essential nutrients, making it an invaluable tool for detecting a broad spectrum of health conditions.
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The Chemistry Panel and Complete Blood Count Test is a comprehensive blood analysis that combines two important evaluations, the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and the Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets, to provide a broad overview of overall health.

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The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

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Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) without ALT evaluates overall metabolic and organ health by measuring glucose, calcium, electrolytes, kidney function markers, and key liver enzymes (excluding ALT). Doctors order this test to assess diabetes, dehydration, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction. Results provide critical insight into metabolic balance, electrolyte disorders, and organ performance, helping guide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP without ALT
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without CO2 and ALT evaluates glucose, calcium, electrolytes, kidney function markers, and liver-related proteins. This panel helps assess fluid and electrolyte balance, nutritional status, and metabolic activity while monitoring organ health. Excluding CO2 and ALT, it remains a useful tool for identifying imbalances and guiding clinical interpretation of systemic health.

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The Potassium Test measures potassium levels in blood to evaluate electrolyte balance, kidney function, and overall metabolic health. Abnormal results may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, adrenal disorders, or complications from certain medications. Doctors order this test for patients with weakness, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure. Results help diagnose hyperkalemia or hypokalemia and guide treatment to restore proper heart and muscle function.

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The Potassium Plasma Test evaluates potassium concentration in plasma, a key marker of electrolyte status, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. Low or high levels may reflect kidney dysfunction, adrenal imbalance, dehydration, or acidosis. This test provides insight into cardiovascular function, metabolic health, and systemic conditions affecting electrolyte regulation and overall physiologic balance.

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The Sodium Test measures sodium levels in the blood, an electrolyte essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle activity. Abnormal sodium may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, adrenal disorders, or heart failure. Doctors use this test to investigate symptoms like confusion, weakness, or swelling and to monitor patients with chronic illnesses, diuretic use, or intravenous therapy, ensuring proper electrolyte and metabolic health.

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Also Known As: Na Test, Sodium Serum Test
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All About Blood Chemistry Tests

Want to get a good idea of how your health is doing?

Blood holds a lot of factors that can determine your health because of its function in the body. Ordering a blood test is a quick and easy process, and you get very insightful information about the quality of your health with the results.

Read on to discover more about blood chemistry lab tests and why they're important now.

Blood Testing: What It Is and Why It's Important

Blood testing is the analysis of extracted blood samples through biochemical processes. It's one of the most powerful ways to check your current health.

Blood chemistry tests are great for checking biomarkers that evaluate the health of your organs, like your heart, kidney, liver, digestive system, lungs, endocrine system, and for diseases ranging from immune to infections. Blood is the carrier and transport system of oxygen and other resources the body needs. Depending on the blood test you take, these tests can help detect issues before you have symptoms and provide an accurate disease diagnosis. Blood tests can also help doctors determine if your organs are well and functioning correctly.

Taking blood tests is important because they are the fastest way to determine risk factors and verify the diagnosis of diseases.

Types of Blood Chemistry Tests

Depending on what you are testing or screening for, there are many hundreds of blood tests available. There are tests for detecting blood diseases, disorders and checking on organ function. Here are some basic blood chemistry tests frequently ordered, and here is a link to 10 important lab tests that you may want to review with your doctor.

Complete Blood Count

The Complete Blood Count or CBC is the most common blood test performed. This blood test is often a part of a routine check-up. The CBC test helps in detecting blood diseases and blood disorders like anemia and clotting problems. The CBC is also used to help detect blood cancers like Leukemia and immune system disorders.

The CBC blood test measures 33 biomarkers, including the red and white blood cells and platelets. Identifying a disease with a CBC test depends on which blood part has abnormal low or high counts.

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When a CBC shows abnormal RBC levels, this can be a factor of anemia, dehydration, or bleeding.

Alongside your RBCs, CBC also checks with your Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels.

White Blood Cells (WBC)

White blood cells are your body’s first line of defense against infections and diseases. CBC test results with either a high or low WBC count can mean an infection or blood cancer.

In some cases, this can also point to an immune system disorder. These diseases are often easy to diagnose with the help of blood tests.

Platelets

Platelets are the blood cell fragments in charge of blood clotting. When platelet levels become abnormal, this can mean a bleeding disorder. Other times it can mean a thrombotic disorder, which is a case of too much blood clotting.

Basic Metabolic Panel

Basic Metabolic Panel is a group of 11 biomarkers tests that gauge the health of your kidneys and the balance of your electrolytes. They are tests that often use the plasma or the fluid part of your blood. The Basic Metabolic Panel tests give doctors the data on your muscles, bones, and organs, like kidneys and liver.

Glucose 

Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Calcium 

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99% of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong.

The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, secrete hormones and enzymes and send messages through the nervous system.

Potassium 

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells.

Sodium 

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly. It is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function.

Carbon Dioxide 

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-).

Chloride 

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.

Creatinine 

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Urea Nitrogen (Bun) 

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio 

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration.

It may also be seen with increased protein, gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to a decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

GFR 

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Hepatic Function Panel

This panel, also known as the liver panel, contains the following 10 biomarkers that measure the health of your liver.

Albumin 

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio 

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels.

Alkaline Phosphatase 

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

ALT 

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in the release of the substance into the blood.

AST 

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in the liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Direct, Indirect and Total 

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells is replaced by new blood cells every day.

Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Globulin 

Globulin is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins.

Gamma globulins include antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Protein, Total 

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin, and globulin, that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Benefits of Blood Testing

There are many benefits to having your blood tested periodically. Here are some of them.

  • They are a reliable source of data for your health and wellness
  • Blood tests are an excellent way to detect and diagnose diseases
  • They help in checking your metabolism
  • They are good ways to determine if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic
  • Blood chemistry lab tests check your organs' health and functionality
    The tests help in keeping you up to date with your hormone levels and keep them in optimal health
  • They allow you to determine and avoid your risks for stroke and heart disease
  • Blood tests are an excellent way to measure your health

Getting blood tests regularly to establish your baseline biomarkers and track changes in your biomarkers is an excellent way to keep track of your health and avoid health risks. If you haven't checked your blood in a while, now is the time to take control of your health with blood chemistry tests from Ulta Lab Tests.

Blood Chemistry Lab Tests and Why You Need Them

Blood chemistry tests are essential laboratory tests that people should not overlook—looking to get a blood test done?

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

We aim to simplify the testing process as much as possible. You can order multiple blood tests to be performed with only a single blood draw. You can schedule all of the testing services you need to be performed in a single visit with Ulta Lab Test at a nearby patient service center.

Getting your results is quick and easy as well. Log into your unique patient portal, and you'll be able to view all current and past test results you've ordered through Ulta Lab Tests.