Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test

About this test

The CMP is a broad blood test that checks 14 markers related to your kidneys, liver, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and protein levels. It's one of the most commonly ordered panels for routine health screening and annual wellness checks.

A CMP is a snapshot, not a diagnosis. Values can be temporarily shifted by dehydration, recent meals, alcohol, certain supplements, or medications. If any results fall outside the normal range, a clinician will typically consider your symptoms and history before recommending any follow-up.

Components

• Glucose: Your current blood sugar at the time of the draw. Elevated levels may suggest prediabetes or diabetes, especially if fasting; lower levels can occur with certain medications or conditions.
• Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide (bicarbonate): The four key electrolytes that regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and your body's acid-base balance.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: Waste products filtered by your kidneys. Rising levels can indicate that the kidneys are working less efficiently. BUN/Creatinine ratio helps distinguish kidney issues from dehydration.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): A calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering blood, based on creatinine, age, and sex.
• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Liver enzymes that spill into the blood when liver cells are irritated or damaged. Elevations are common with fatty liver, alcohol use, medications, or hepatitis.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the liver and bones. Elevated levels can point to bile duct issues, liver disease, or bone conditions.
• Total Bilirubin: A yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. High levels can cause jaundice and may indicate liver or bile duct problems.
• Total Protein and Albumin: Protein markers that reflect nutritional status and liver function. Low albumin can be seen with malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney protein loss.
• Globulin and A/G Ratio: Calculated from total protein and albumin; used to flag possible immune system or liver abnormalities.

Who is this test for?

This panel is one of the most commonly ordered tests during an annual physical. It is a good choice for adults who want a broad check of their blood sugar, kidney function, liver health, and electrolyte balance. It is also routinely used to monitor people on medications that can affect the liver or kidneys, such as statins, blood pressure drugs, or diabetes medications.