Definition

A routine group of blood tests that assesses your metabolism and the body's chemical balance. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) includes 14 measurements:

GroupMeasurements included
SugarGlucose
MineralCalcium
ElectrolytesSodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride
ProteinsAlbumin, total protein
Liver enzymesALP, ALT, AST
Waste productsBilirubin, BUN, creatinine

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) includes only 8 tests; it does not include total protein, albumin, bilirubin, or liver enzymes. The electrolyte panel is only the electrolyte portion of this group.

Purpose

Checking liver and kidney health, blood sugar, protein levels, and fluid-electrolyte balance; aiding diagnosis, guiding treatment, and monitoring medication effectiveness.

Results

Abnormal findings may point to conditions that require further testing. The physician evaluates all results together, along with your medical history and the medications you take.

Normal Values

Specific to the laboratory.

Risks and Limitations

Panel results are interpreted as a whole rather than one by one; a single abnormal value alone does not establish a diagnosis.

Related Tests

Glucose (Blood Sugar)

Measures the glucose level in the blood. Glucose is a type of sugar and the body's primary source of energy. The test checks whether the level is too high (hyperglycemia) or too

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Urea / BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product formed when the body breaks down proteins, and it is normally removed by the kidneys through

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Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate)

Minerals that carry an electric charge in body fluids. Those measured in the panel

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Albumin

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. It has two critical roles: 1. It keeps the fluid part of your blood from leaking out of your blood vessels 2. It carries hormones

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Total Protein and A/G Ratio

Measures the total protein in the blood and compares its two main types: albumin makes up most of the protein in the blood, and the remainder is called globulin. The A/G ratio

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Bilirubin (Total and Direct)

Bilirubin is a yellowish substance formed during the normal breakdown of old red blood cells. It is measured in three forms

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Other related tests not yet in the glossary: Creatinine, Liver enzymes.