A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that provides information about your body's metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, kidney function, liver function, and blood sugar levels. It is one of the most commonly ordered routine laboratory tests.

What a CMP tests

A CMP typically includes 14 different measurements:

1. Blood Glucose

• Measures blood sugar levels.

• Helps screen for or monitor diabetes and problems with glucose regulation.

2. Kidney Function Tests

• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Measures a waste product filtered by the kidneys.

• Creatinine: Measures kidney filtration ability.

• eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Estimates how well the kidneys filter blood.

3. Electrolytes

Help regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle activity:

• Sodium (Na): Fluid balance and nerve function.

• Potassium (K): Heart rhythm and muscle function.

• Chloride (Cl): Fluid and acid-base balance.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)/Bicarbonate: Helps evaluate acid-base balance.

4. Liver Function Tests

Evaluate liver health and possible liver injury:

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Indicates liver cell injury when elevated.

• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): May rise with liver or muscle injury.

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Evaluates bile ducts and liver/bone activity.

• Bilirubin: Measures a waste product processed by the liver.

• Albumin: A protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance.

• Total Protein: Measures the total amount of proteins in the blood.

What a CMP can help detect or monitor

A CMP may help evaluate:

• Diabetes or abnormal blood sugar levels

• Kidney disease or kidney injury

• Liver disease or liver inflammation

• Dehydration

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Nutritional or protein abnormalities

• Effects of certain medications

• Overall health before surgery or medical treatment

Sample needed

• Sample: A venous blood sample (blood drawn from a vein, usually in the arm).

Why a CMP is commonly ordered

Healthcare providers often order a CMP:

• During routine physical exams

• Before surgery (pre-operative testing)

• To monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease

• Before starting or monitoring medications that may affect the liver or kidneys

• When evaluating symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, swelling, or changes in urination