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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Blood Test

The CMP includes 14 tests: ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, albumin, total protein, glucose, and calcium.

Collection method

Typically blood (venipuncture)

Test preparation

None

Restrictions

Ages 18+ only; Could vary by provider

Turnaround time

Typically 48-72 hours

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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a group of blood tests that give an overall picture of your body’s metabolism and chemical balance. Your healthcare provider may order or perform a CMP as part of a routine checkup or to rule out or monitor kidney and liver problems.

CMPs are performed in a wide range of medical settings, including labs, urgent care centers, and walk-in clinics. If you need help finding a healthcare provider that can do a CMP test, use Solv to locate only the highest-rated testing providers in your area and book an appointment right away.

What does a CMP test for?

A CMP measures the levels of 14 different substances in your blood. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, these substances include:

  • Albumin: A protein made in the liver. It is responsible for transporting important substances through the bloodstream and prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels.
  • Alkaline phosphatase: An enzyme made by the liver.
  • Alanine aminotransferase: An enzyme made by the liver.
  • Aspartate aminotransferase: An enzyme made by the liver.
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A waste product that is removed from the blood by your kidneys.
  • Calcium: Essential for the proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and heart.
  • Carbon dioxide: An electrolyte.
  • Chloride: An electrolyte. It works with sodium, potassium, and carbon dioxide to control many bodily processes.
  • Creatinine: A byproduct of muscle activity that is removed from the blood by your kidneys.
  • Glucose: A type of sugar that supplies your body with energy. Glucose levels out of the normal range could indicate type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
  • Potassium: An electrolyte. It comes from the food you eat and is present in all of your body tissues.
  • Sodium: An electrolyte. Most of the sodium in your blood comes from the food you eat. This electrolyte is regulated by your kidneys.
  • Total bilirubin: A waste product made by the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver is responsible for removing bilirubin from the body.
  • Total protein: A measurement of the total amount of protein (albumin and globulins) in the blood.

The University of Rochester Medical Center also notes that although the above 14 substances are tested in most CMPs, some laboratories may measure additional substances that are not listed here.

What is a CMP used for?

A CMP can be used to check a variety of bodily functions and processes. According to the National Library of Medicine, some of the results you can get from a CMP include:

  • Metabolism analysis
  • Liver and kidney health
  • Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels (electrolytes)
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Calcium levels
  • Blood protein levels
  • Acid and base balance

According to the NLM, your doctor may also use a CMP to monitor the side effects of certain medications, especially those that may affect the functioning of your liver and kidneys. This test may be used to help your doctor diagnose certain medical conditions or to screen for certain conditions for which you may not yet have symptoms.

Who should get a CMP?

A CMP test is often ordered by healthcare providers to evaluate a person's overall health status, monitor chronic conditions, and detect certain diseases. The NLMsuggests a CMP for people with unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, or abdominal pain, as well as for those with a known or suspected liver or kidney disease.

In general, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if a CMP is appropriate for your individual health needs and medical history. A CMP is usually part of a larger set of tests being done in order to make a diagnosis.

When should I get a CMP?

You may get a CMP during a regular checkup or yearly physical at your doctor’s office. The NLM notes that you may also need a CMP if your doctor suspects you have any type of kidney or liver disease. Because both of these organs play an important role in your metabolism, the CMP tests that look at your metabolism are a great indicator of how your liver and kidneys are functioning.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, a CMP may even be used to check on metabolic conditions like diabetes.

CMP tests can also check your kidney and liver health if you take medications that can affect these organs (like medications for high blood pressure). According to the NLM.

How to get a CMP

Most often, your doctor can order a CMP test and refer you to a lab that will draw your blood for the test. Some walk-in labs, clinics, and urgent care centers may also offer a CMP on-site, though the results will take a short time to come back.

Solv makes it easy to find where you can get a CMP. Search our directory of healthcare providers and services to help you find where to get tested near you.

How to Prepare for a CMP

If the CMP is part of a scheduled set of tests, you will be required to fast for at least eight hours before getting a CMP. The University of Rochester Medical Center recommends not exercising before your test and informing the testing provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This is because physical activity and some substances can alter the test results. If the CMP is ordered because you are ill, there is no preparation needed.

Understanding CMP Test Results

After you have a CMP test completed, your doctor will review the results and may contact you to discuss them in further detail. According to the NLM, normal results, or values, for a CMP are:

  • Albumin: 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL (34 to 54 g/L)
  • Alkaline phosphatase: 20 to 130 U/L
  • Alanine aminotransferase: 4 to 36 U/L
  • Aspartate aminotransferase: 8 to 33 U/L
  • BUN: 6 to 20 mg/dL (2.14 to 7.14 mmol/L)
  • Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.13 to 2.55 mmol/L)
  • Carbon dioxide: 23 to 29 mEq/L (23 to 29 mmol/L)
  • Chloride: 96 to 106 mEq/L (96 to 106 mmol/L)
  • Creatinine: 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL (53 to 114.9 µmol/L)
  • Glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.6 mmol/L)
  • Potassium: 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.70 to 5.20 mmol/L)
  • Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L (135 to 145 mmol/L)
  • Total bilirubin: 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL (2 to 21 µmol/L)
  • Total protein: 6.0 to 8.3 g/dL (60 to 83 g/L)

The NLM adds that normal values for creatinine may vary depending on your age and that the value ranges that are considered “normal” may vary slightly based on the lab evaluating your test. This is because some labs may use different measurements or test different specimens. The University of Rochester Medical Center says other factors, including your gender and health history, will also play a role in test results.

Always talk to your doctor or the testing provider if you need help understanding or interpreting your results. These healthcare professionals can discuss what each result means and whether you need treatment or any additional testing.

Can I do a CMP test at home?

While there are some companies that offer at-home CMPtesting, it is important to note that the accuracy and reliability of these tests may vary. In addition, the results of at-home CMP tests may not be interpreted correctly without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Cost of the CMP test

The cost of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) varies depending on your location, the laboratory that performs the test, and your insurance coverage. The average cost of a CMP is between $19 and $291.

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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) FAQs

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about lab tests.

A CMP requires a sample of blood, usually collected by a venipuncture procedure. Because of this, there are a few risks to getting a CMP. According to the NLM, these risks include bleeding, bruising, infection, and lightheadedness. You may also feel a slight sting when the needle goes in, and the needle insertion site may feel sore afterward.
The main difference between a CMP and a BMP is that a CMP measures more substances. A BMP does not include any liver and protein tests, notes the NLM.
Other names for a CMP, according to the NLM and University of Rochester Medical Center, are “chem 14," “chemistry panel," “chemistry screen," and “complete metabolic panel." If your doctor orders one of these tests, ask to confirm that it is the same as a CMP.
If any of the substances tested during a CMP are found to be outside of the normal range, your doctor may order additional testing to confirm or rule out specific health conditions. The NLM recommends talking to your healthcare provider about what your results mean.
There may be slight pain at the site where the venipuncture is performed. However, any soreness or bruising usually goes away quickly, notes the NLM.
Eating, exercise, pregnancy, and dehydration are factors that may affect your CMP test results. The University of Rochester Medical Center also says that certain medications may affect your results. Medications like insulin, steroids, hormones, and diuretics.
The simplest way to find a CMP test near you is to use the directory featured on Solv. Solv features reviews and ratings on CMP testing providers so you can choose a high-quality provider and book an appointment from the website right away!
CMP testing can be done as part of your annual health checkup. If you have a metabolic disorder like diabetes, or liver or kidney problems, your healthcare provider may recommend CMP testing more often.
While a CMP detects abnormalities in the levels of certain substances in the blood, it is not typically used as a screening test for cancer. However, some of the markers measured in a CMP, such as liver enzymes and calcium, may be elevated in people with certain types of cancer or cancer that has spread to the liver or bones.
The American Association for Clinical Chemistry notes that some medications may affect the levels of certain substances measured in a CMP, including electrolytes and liver enzymes. These medications include:
  • Diuretics
  • Steroids
  • Insulin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—like Advil or Ibuprofen

This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Updated on Jan 25, 2023

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
LinkedIn

Dr. Rob Rohatsch currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Solv Health. Dr. Rohatsch brings his extensive background in multi-site ambulatory medicine operations, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to Solv, where he helps drive strategic initiatives in a cross functional executive role. He brings comprehensive healthcare expertise ranging from medical group operations to revenue cycle management and clinical expertise.

Dr. Rohatsch completed his military service in the US Air Force and earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Rohatsch served on the Yale School of Medicine faculty teaching at the medical school and is currently on faculty at the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee teaching in the Executive MBA Program. He also serves on several boards and chairs The TJ Lobraico Foundation.

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