A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures 14 different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism, including liver and kidney function, blood sugar (glucose) levels, and electrolyte and fluid balance. The CMP is a routine test that can help detect a wide range of disorders, such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease.
The 14 tests included in a CMP are:
Albumin: a protein made by the liver
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): an enzyme found in the liver, bones, and other tissues
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): an enzyme mainly found in the liver
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): an enzyme found in the liver and other tissues
Bilirubin: a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): a waste product filtered out by the kidneys
Calcium: a mineral essential for bones, muscles, and nerves
Carbon dioxide: a measure of bicarbonate, an electrolyte that helps maintain pH balance
Chloride: an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance
Creatinine: a waste product from muscle breakdown filtered out by the kidneys
Glucose: blood sugar, the body's main source of energy
Potassium: an electrolyte needed for proper nerve and muscle function
Sodium: an electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
Total protein: measures albumin and all other proteins in blood
A CMP may be ordered as part of a routine medical exam or to help:
Diagnose liver, kidney, or other disorders
Monitor treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, and kidney disease
Check for side effects of medications
Assess overall health
Your doctor may also order a CMP if you have symptoms that suggest a liver disorder, kidney problem, or other metabolic disorder.
A CMP requires a small blood sample, which is usually drawn from a vein in your arm. You may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test to ensure accurate glucose results. During the blood draw, you may feel a slight sting, but the procedure is usually quick and simple. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Your CMP results will include the measured value for each substance along with the normal reference range. These ranges may vary slightly between labs. Abnormal results don't always mean you have a medical condition, as many factors can affect CMP levels, such as medications, diet, and activity level. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Some key points to remember about CMP results:
High levels of liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST) may indicate liver damage or disease
Elevated BUN and creatinine may be signs of kidney dysfunction
Abnormal electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide) can affect heart and muscle function
High glucose may be a sign of diabetes, while low glucose can cause dizziness and confusion
If you have questions about your CMP results, talk to your doctor. Together you can review the results and discuss any necessary follow-up tests or treatments. Regular CMPs can be an important tool in monitoring your overall health and detecting potential problems early.
To learn more about the CMP and other lab tests, visit Lab Tests Online.
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to remove LDL "bad" cholesterol from the blood. This condition [...]
Nasopharyngeal cancer, also known as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), is a rare type of head and neck cancer that starts in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. This [...]
When you're pregnant, your doctor will perform several tests to ensure the health of you and your baby. One of the most important tests is the Rh factor test. In this [...]