Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It's a group of 8 tests from one blood sample.
What it measures
- Glucose
- Calcium
- Sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)
- BUN and creatinine (kidney function)
Why it's done
- Routine checkups
- Checking kidney function
- Monitoring medicines like water pills, ACE inhibitors, and lithium
- Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or confusion
Getting ready and what happens
- You may be asked to fast for 8 hours.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 135 to 145 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L |
| Chloride | 96 to 106 mEq/L |
| CO2 (bicarbonate) | 23 to 29 mEq/L |
| BUN | 7 to 20 mg/dL |
| Creatinine | About 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL (men), 0.6 to 1.1 (women) |
| Glucose (fasting) | 70 to 99 mg/dL |
| Calcium | 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
Out-of-range results
Each result points to different issues, like dehydration, kidney problems, medicine effects, or diabetes. See the individual test pages for details.
When a result needs quick action
Call your provider todayYour provider calls with a critical potassium, sodium, or kidney result
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- Which results are out of range, and why?
- Could my medicines be affecting these?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.