Overview.
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is a 14-test panel that provides crucial information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. It evaluates kidney function, liver health, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and protein levels—making it essential for detecting diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, and electrolyte imbalances.
The CMP measures 14 substances in your blood: glucose (blood sugar), calcium, proteins (albumin, total protein), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, CO2, chloride), and markers of kidney function (BUN, creatinine) and liver function (ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin). Together, these tests paint a comprehensive picture of metabolic health.
What's included.
- Glucose — normal: 70-99 mg/dL · Blood sugar level (fasting)
- Creatinine — normal: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL · Kidney filtration function
- Albumin — normal: 3.5-5.0 g/dL · Liver protein production and nutrition
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) — normal: 44-147 IU/L · Liver and bone health
- ALT (SGPT) — normal: 7-56 IU/L · Liver cell health
- AST (SGOT) — normal: 10-40 IU/L · Liver and muscle health
- BUN — normal: 7-20 mg/dL · Kidney function and hydration
- Calcium — normal: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL · Bone health and nerve function
Preparation.
Fasting required — 10 hours.
When: Best drawn in the morning after an overnight fast. Results typically available within 24-48 hours.
- Fast for 10-12 hours (water is allowed)
- Take morning medications with a small sip of water
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test
- Schedule for morning draw when possible
When it's ordered.
- Annual wellness exams and routine health screenings
- Evaluating symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or confusion
- Monitoring chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension)
- Assessing medication effects on liver or kidneys
- Pre-surgical evaluation
- Emergency room assessment
- Monitoring nutritional status
Interpretation.
What normal means
Your kidneys and liver are functioning well, blood sugar is controlled, and electrolytes are balanced. This suggests good metabolic health and proper organ function.
Abnormal patterns
High glucose (100-125 mg/dL fasting)
Possible causes
- Prediabetes
- Stress response
- Recent meal
Next steps
- Confirm fasting state
- HbA1c test
- Fasting insulin
- Repeat in 3 months
Elevated creatinine with low eGFR
Possible causes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dehydration
- High protein diet
- Muscle breakdown
Next steps
- Repeat after hydration
- Urine protein test
- Kidney ultrasound
- Nephrology referral if persistent
Elevated ALT/AST
Possible causes
- Fatty liver (NAFLD)
- Alcohol use
- Medications
- Viral hepatitis
Next steps
- Hepatitis panel
- Review medications
- Liver ultrasound
- GGT test
Low albumin
Possible causes
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Kidney disease (protein loss)
- Chronic inflammation
Next steps
- Protein intake assessment
- Liver function review
- Urine protein test
Cost & access.
Typically covered by insurance as part of routine care. Without insurance, costs range from $20-100. Often ordered with a CBC for a complete baseline.
FAQs.
What's the difference between a CMP and BMP?
A CMP includes 14 tests while a BMP includes 8. The CMP adds liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin), albumin, and total protein. Choose a CMP when you want a more complete picture including liver health.
Why is fasting required for a CMP?
Fasting ensures accurate glucose measurement. Eating before the test can raise blood sugar and lead to false concerns about diabetes or prediabetes.
What does a high BUN/creatinine ratio mean?
A high ratio (>20:1) often indicates dehydration rather than kidney disease. If creatinine alone is elevated with a normal ratio, it may suggest actual kidney function concerns.
How often should I get a CMP?
Annually for most adults as part of routine screening. More frequently if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver conditions, or take medications that affect these organs.