Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) 

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a group of 14 blood tests that provides a broad overview of your body’s metabolism, organ function, and chemical balance. It includes all components of the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), plus additional tests to assess liver health and protein levels. 

1. What Is Included in a CMP? 

The CMP includes 14 individual tests: 

• Glucose – Blood sugar level. 

• Calcium – Essential for bones, nerves, and muscle function. 

• Sodium – Helps regulate fluid balance and nerve/muscle function. 

• Potassium – Crucial for heart and muscle function. 

• Chloride – Maintains fluid and acid-base balance. 

• Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate) – Reflects acid-base status. 

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – Indicates kidney function. 

• Creatinine – Reflects kidney filtering efficiency. 

• Total Protein – Includes albumin and globulin, essential for various bodily functions. 

• Albumin – A protein made by the liver, reflects nutritional and liver status. 

• Total Bilirubin – Measures liver function and breakdown of red blood cells. 

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – Enzyme associated with liver and bone health. 

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – Liver enzyme, elevated in liver damage. 

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) – Another liver enzyme indicative of liver injury. 

2. Why Is the CMP Test Performed? 

The CMP is used to: 

• Evaluate organ function (especially liver and kidneys). 

• Detect electrolyte imbalances and acid/base disorders. 

• Monitor conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and liver disease. 

• Assess overall health during routine physical exams or before surgery. 

3. Reference Ranges (Typical Adults) 

• Glucose: 70–99 mg/dL (fasting) 

• Calcium: 8.5–10.2 mg/dL 

• Sodium: 135–145 mmol/L 

• Potassium: 3.5–5.1 mmol/L 

• Chloride: 98–107 mmol/L 

• CO₂ (Bicarbonate): 22–29 mmol/L 

• BUN: 7–20 mg/dL 

• Creatinine: 0.6–1.3 mg/dL 

• Total Protein: 6.0–8.3 g/dL 

• Albumin: 3.4–5.4 g/dL 

• Total Bilirubin: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL 

• ALP: 44–147 IU/L 

• ALT: 7–56 IU/L 

• AST: 10–40 IU/L 

4. Interpreting CMP Results 

🔹 Abnormal glucose may indicate diabetes or hypoglycemia. 

🔹 Electrolyte imbalances may affect the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. 

🔹 Elevated BUN or creatinine may suggest kidney disease. 

🔹 Liver enzyme elevations (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) may indicate liver damage or disease. 

🔹 Abnormal protein levels may indicate nutritional issues, liver disease, or immune disorders. 

5. What Can Affect CMP Results? 

• Diet, hydration, recent exercise, or fasting status. 

• Medications, supplements, or underlying medical conditions. 

• Liver, kidney, or endocrine disorders. 

6. How Is the Test Performed? 

• A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually after fasting for 8–12 hours. 

• Results are usually available within 1–2 days. 

7. When to See a Doctor 

🚨 Speak with your healthcare provider if you: 

• Have unexplained fatigue, swelling, nausea, or changes in urination. 

• Have a chronic condition that needs regular monitoring (e.g., diabetes, liver/kidney disease). 

• Receive abnormal CMP results requiring further evaluation. 

🔹 Key Takeaways 

✅ The CMP is a comprehensive tool for evaluating overall health and organ function. 

✅ It includes all BMP tests plus key liver and protein markers. 

✅ Results help guide diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment decisions.