A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures 14 different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your bodys chemical balance and metabolism, which is the way in which your body uses food and energy. The CMP is a helpful and common test that broadly assesses your physical health. It is often used to evaluate kidney and liver function, blood sugar levels, blood protein levels, acid and base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. The test can also help diagnose, screen for, and monitor certain health conditions. The 14 substances measured in a CMP include:
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- Glucose
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Total protein
- Albumin
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Bilirubin
The CMP is an expanded version of the basic metabolic panel (BMP), which does not include liver tests. A healthcare provider may choose a CMP or a BMP depending on the patients health history and needs. The CMP is a simple and safe blood test that can be part of a routine check-up or if a healthcare professional suspects liver or kidney disease. If you have questions about your results, talk to your healthcare provider.