Understanding the Comprehensive Chemistry Panel (Chem 8)

Question
I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO HAVE THIS TEST PERFORMED BY MY PHYSICIAN, HOWEVER I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THIS TEST IS TESTING FOR AND WHAT IT INCLUDES.  THANK YOU

Answer
Hi Mary.  Do you mean Chem 8 (the number) instead of Chem B (letter)?  There's no such test as a Chem B.  If you meant Chem 8, the test is a basic chemistry panel.  The tests include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate (these 4 are electrolytes), glucose (blood sugar), BUN, creatinine, (BUN + creat. are kidney function indicators), and calcium.  This test is very commonly ordered by physicians to assess general health.

Samantha