CMP Blood Test: A Guides Metabolic Panel (CMP)

What is a CMP Blood Test?

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test, also known as a CMP blood test, is an extremely common group of tests that a physician will order when attempting to determine the functionality and health of various organs of the body such as the kidneys, the liver, as well as other important information about electrolytes, acid/base balance, blood sugar, and blood protein concentration.

CMP Blood Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test is almost always a group of 14 tests that are recognized according to a standardized CPT code used by insurance companies and medicare. Sometimes, however, certain laboratories will adjust the specific tests performed based on the needs specified by the doctor, and to address cost considerations. CMP blood test results provide a wide range of valuable health information to your doctor.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Uses

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel tests for:

• Blood glucose level (useful in checking for hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and pre-diabetes; also useful during pregnancy)
• Blood calcium level (useful in identifying a variety of diseases that affect the kidney, the bones, and the nervous system)
• Blood albumin/globulin ratio (useful in identifying a variety of liver and kidney diseases and disorders, and can also be used to evaluate the adequacy of nutrition being consumed by the patient)
• Total blood protein ratio (useful in identifying a variety of liver and kidney diseases and disorders, and can also be used to evaluate the adequacy of nutrition being consumed by the patient)
• Blood sodium level (useful for determining causes of dehydration and edema, monitoring high or low blood pressure, monitoring electrolyte balance, identifying kidney problems, and diagnosing chronic and acute hypernatremia or hyponatremia.
• Blood potassium level (useful for identifying electrolyte imbalance, to monitor chronic and acute hypernatremia or hyponatremia, used to identify causes of arrhythmia and weakness, and to diagnose or monitor kidney disease)
• Blood bicarbonate level (also known as Total CO2 test; used in electrolyte panels, and to diagnose or monitor and electrolyte imbalance or acid-base imbalance; used when diagnosing weakness, excessive vomiting, respiratory distress, and acidosis or alkalosis)
• Blood chloride level (used in electrolyte panels; used to test the acid-base balance)
• Blood urea nitrogen level (used to evaluate the effectiveness of dialysis and other kidney disease treatments; used to identify kidney dysfunction)
• Blood creatinine level (used to evaluate kidney function, and will be used to monitor the effects of medications that might have, or are known to have, effects on the kidneys)
• Alkaline phosphatase level (used to identify or evaluate the treatment of liver and bone disorders)
• Alanine aminotransferase level (used to identify liver damage, and monitor treatment for liver damage)
• Aspartate aminotransferase level (used to identify liver damage, and to monitor treatment for liver damage)
• Bilirubin level (used to identify liver disorders, or monitor liver-related health issues and treatments)

What Ranges Are Normal for a CMP Test?

The following ranges are considered to be normal for individuals older adults:

• Albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL
• Alkaline phosphatase: 30-125 units/L
• ALT: 0-40 units/L
• AST: 3-44 unites/L
• Bilirubin: 02-1.3 mg/dL
• Calcium: 8.7-10.7 mg/dL
• CO2: 22-29 mmol/L
• Chloride: 99-108 mmol/L
• Creatinine: .75-1.2 mg/dL for males, .65-1.00 mg/dL for females
• Glucose: 60-99mg/dL for fasting patients, 60-200mg/dL for nonfasting patients
• Potassium: 3.4-5.3 mmol/L
• Protein, total: 6.0-8.2 g/dL
• Sodium urea nitrogen: 8-21 mg/Dl

This information was sourced from University Medical Center’s Students.

How is the Test Administered?

The test is administered in a manner similar to most other blood tests. The physician, nurse, or phlebotomist will clean an area of skin – usually on the arm – with a sterilizing wipe (usually using alcohol). Then, a vein will be identified. This is usually a vein that is found close to the surface of the skin. If necessary, a tourniquet will be applied. Then, a needle will be inserted into the sterilized area so that it pierces the vein. Then, the needle will be connected to a special collection tube. This collection tube has been sealed with a vacuum, which allows the tube to collect blood relatively quickly.

It is important to discuss whether or not you need to fast for 10-12 hours before the test is taken. In some cases, fasting might be necessary, because the body’s processing of food will affect various readings, and may hide underlying conditions. In other cases, the doctor might ask you to eat as normal, in order to diagnose certain problems related to food consumption, or because the indicators the doctor is looking for are not likely to be affected by the consumption of food. If your doctor gives you any instructions regarding food consumption, it is very important that they are followed precisely.

CMP Blood Test

What is the Test Used For?

The test is used assess a broad range of health indicators that can indicate health problems within the human body. It is a relatively simple, easy, and inexpensive test that can provide your doctor with a plethora of information, and by looking at CMP test values, your doctor can diagnose a very wide range of possible conditions. In addition, the test is extremely useful in checking up on known conditions. Certain chronic conditions, such as hypertension, kidney disease, and liver disease – are easily monitored with CMP tests. It is also necessary in cases where patients must take medications that have an impact on the functionality of the kidneys or liver. In events where medications begin to have adverse effects on the kidney or liver, a comprehensive metabolic panel interpretation by a physician can be key in determining the next route of treatment to take.
 

Does My Doctor Think Something Is Wrong With Me If They Order A CMP Test?

Most of the time: probably not. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test is a typical blood test ordered alongside physical exams, usually as part of a yearly checkup, or when taking a physical exam to qualify for insurance coverage, enter the military, and many other reasons.

It is also used to diagnose an array of fairly minor, controllable conditions, such as high or low blood pressure, or hyper or hypoglycemia. A CMP test is certainly nothing to be alarmed about.