Basic Metabolic Panel is drawn in a Serum separator tube (SST) at Quest, a Gel-barrier tube (preferred); Red-top tube or Green-top (lithium heparin) tube at LabCorp, and a SST Tube at BioReference.
Lab comparison
Basic Metabolic Panel: Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
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| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 10165 | 322758 | 2555-1 |
| Primary tube | Serum separator tube (SST) | Gel-barrier tube (preferred); Red-top tube or Green-top (lithium heparin) tube | SST Tube |
| Specimen type | Serum (preferred) or plasma | SST Tube | |
| Patient prep | Fasting specimen is preferred | Fasting specimen is preferred | Fasting specimen is preferred |
| Minimum volume | Not stated | Minimum Volume 0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.) | Qty 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Basic Metabolic Panel?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Basic Metabolic Panel is 10165.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Basic Metabolic Panel?
LabCorp uses a Gel-barrier tube (preferred); Red-top tube or Green-top (lithium heparin) tube for Basic Metabolic Panel.
Does Basic Metabolic Panel require fasting?
Basic Metabolic Panel patient prep: Fasting specimen is preferred. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
Quest verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
LabCorp verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
BioReference verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 8, 2026
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