Which type of blood test is primarily used to evaluate electrolytes?

The basic metabolic panel (BMP) is specifically designed to assess various chemical components in the blood, including key electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate (HCO3), calcium, and glucose. These electrolytes play critical roles in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, among other physiological processes. The BMP provides essential information about a person's metabolic state and can help detect issues related to kidney function, hydration status, and acid-base balance.

In contrast, a lipid panel focuses on cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a thyroid function test evaluates hormones related to thyroid activity, and a coagulation panel assesses blood clotting factors. Each of these tests serves different diagnostic purposes and does not emphasize electrolyte evaluation like the BMP does.