Also referred to as: CMP

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a frequently ordered group of 14 tests that gives your doctor important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

The CMP is used as a broad screening tool to check for conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. It is also used to monitor complications of diseases or side effects of medications used to treat diseases. The CMP is routinely ordered as part of a blood work-up for a medical exam or yearly physical and is collected by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. Usually fasting for 10 to 12 hours prior to the blood draw is preferred. While the tests are sensitive, they do not usually tell your doctor specifically what is wrong. Abnormal test results or groups of test results are usually followed-up with other specific tests to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.

The CMP is also used to monitor some known problems, such as hypertension, and drug therapies, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs. If your doctor is interested in following two or more individual CMP components, s/he may order the entire CMP because it offers more information.

The comprehensive metabolic panel includes: 

• Glucose 
• Calcium

Proteins

• Albumin 
• Total Protein

Electrolytes 

• Sodium 
• Potassium 
• CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate) 
• Chloride

Kidney Tests 

• BUN (blood urea nitrogen) 
• Creatinine

Liver Tests 

• ALP (alkaline phosphatase) 
• ALT (alanine amino transferase, also called SGPT) 
• AST (aspartate amino transferase, also called SGOT) 
• Bilirubin