A CHEM-7 can also be called a SMA7, Metabolic panel 7, Basic metabolic panel, or a SMAC7. It is a blood test to test your body’s metabolism. It is used in many medical facilities as an overview to your general health.
CHEM-7 Testing
The CHEM-7 test includes a BUN test, Creatinine test, CO2 test, Glucose screen, Serum chloride test, Serum sodium test, and a Serum potassium test. The BUN test stands for blood urea nitrogen and is a test for urea nitrogen in the body, a chemical that occurs when protein breaks down. Creatinine occurs from the breakdown of creatine and is an important kidney function test. CO2 tests for carbon dioxide in the blood. Glucose screening is another diabetes test to check the levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Serum sodium tests check for the amount of sodium in the blood. Serum chloride testing shows the body’s regulation of the acid-base balance. Serum potassium testing shows the levels of potassium in the body.
CHEM-7 Blood Test
The inside of the elbow is prepped with alcohol or other form of antiseptic while an elastic band is wrapped around the upper arm area. You may be asked to squeeze your fingers into a fist to help the vein swell. A needle is inserted into the vein and blood will go into a vial from the tube attached to the needle. The band is usually removed as the vial is filling. After enough blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball is placed over the insertion area. Medical tape or a band-aid is then put over the cotton ball.
The test is usually done in the mornings so that the patient can be fasting, or without food for eight hours prior to the test. You should also abstain from any fluids in that eight hour period as well.
Normal CHEM-7 Results
- BUN – 7 to 20 milligrams per deciliter
- CO2 – 20 to 29 millimole per liter
- Creatinine – 0.8 to 1.4 milligrams per deciliter
- Glucose – 64 to 128 milligrams per deciliter
- Serum Chloride – 101 to 111 millimole per liter
- Serum Potassium – 3.7 to 5.2 milliequivalents per liter
- Serum Sodium – 136 to 144 milliequivalents per liter
Abnormal CHEM-7 Meanings
Some things that can be the meaning behind an abnormal CHEM-7 reading include diabetes complications, kidney failure, and breathing problems.
A CHEM-7 metabolic blood test is not dangerous; it is a basic blood draw that may have some swelling or bruising at the needle injection site. There may be mild pain. However, the test is simple and tells the medical staff so much information. It is one of the most common blood tests given.
For More Information:
How to Understand a Low BUN Test Result
How to Understand a High BUN Test Result
How to Understand High BUN to CREATININE Test Results
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
