The CMP is typically ordered as part of a routine checkup, especially for individuals with a higher risk of developing metabolic or organ-related conditions. It may also be requested if a person is experiencing symptoms that might indicate metabolic or organ system problems, such as fatigue, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, frequent urination, or intense thirst.
During the test, a healthcare provider draws a blood sample from the patient’s vein using a needle. The patient may experience mild discomfort, but the blood draw shouldn’t cause severe pain or bleeding. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the 14 different components included in a CMP.
The 14 components of a Comprehensive metabolic panel are:
1. Glucose: measures blood sugar levels and helps evaluate diabetes, prediabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
2. Calcium: helps diagnose and monitor bone disorders, kidney disease, and other medical conditions.
3. Sodium: measures the amount of sodium in the blood to evaluate hydration levels and check for electrolyte imbalances.
4. Potassium: helps evaluate kidney function and diagnose electrolyte imbalances.
5. Chloride: measures the amount of chloride in the blood to evaluate hydration levels and check for electrolyte imbalances.
6. Carbon dioxide: measures the level of carbon dioxide in the blood to assess acid-base balance and evaluate respiratory and metabolic diseases.
7. Albumin: assesses liver and kidney function, inflammation, malnutrition, and other medical conditions.
8. Total protein: measures the total amount of proteins in the blood and helps diagnose and monitor liver, kidney, and immune system disorders.
9. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): checks liver and bone health and helps diagnose and manage liver, bone, and parathyroid gland disorders.
10. Alanine transaminase (ALT): measures liver enzymes and helps diagnose and manage liver diseases.
11. Aspartate transaminase (AST): measures liver enzymes and helps diagnose and manage liver diseases, as well as heart and muscle damage.
12. Bilirubin: measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood to evaluate liver function, diagnose liver diseases, and detect hemolytic anemia.
13. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): checks kidney function and helps diagnose and monitor kidney diseases, heart failure, and other medical conditions.
14. Creatinine: measures the byproduct of muscle metabolism to evaluate kidney function and diagnose and monitor kidney diseases, dehydration, and other medical conditions.
A Comprehensive metabolic panel can help diagnose, monitor, and manage various medical conditions. Depending on the results, a healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, treatments, or lifestyle changes to improve the patient’s health and wellbeing. It’s essential to follow any instructions from the provider and seek prompt medical attention if experiencing any symptoms or concerns.
Overall, a Comprehensive metabolic panel is a valuable tool to evaluate the body’s organ systems and detect potential medical conditions. It’s a simple and safe test that provides essential information to healthcare providers, allowing them to make informed diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans for their patients. If you’re due for a routine checkup or experiencing any symptoms of metabolic or organ-related problems, talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of a Comprehensive metabolic panel and whether it’s right for you.