Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a frequently ordered panel of 14 tests that gives a healthcare provider important information about the current status of a person’s metabolism, including the health of the kidneys and liver, electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as levels of blood glucose and blood proteins. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

The CMP includes the following tests:

• Glucose – energy source for the body; a steady supply must be available for use, and a relatively constant level of glucose must be maintained in the blood.
• Calcium – one of the most important minerals in the body; it is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart and is required in blood clotting and in the formation of bones.

Proteins

• Albumin – a small protein produced in the liver; the major protein in serum
• Total Protein – measures albumin as well as all other proteins in serum

Electrolytes

• Sodium – vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function
• Potassium – vital to cell metabolism and muscle function
• CO₂ (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate) – helps to maintain the body’s acid-base balance (pH)
• Chloride – helps to regulate the amount of fluid in the body and maintain the acid-base balance

Kidney Tests

• BUN (blood urea nitrogen) – waste product filtered out of the blood by the kidneys; conditions that affect the kidney have the potential to affect the amount of urea in the blood.
• Creatinine – waste product produced in the muscles; it is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys so blood levels are a good indication of how well the kidneys are working.

Liver Tests

• ALP (alkaline phosphatase) – enzyme found in the liver and other tissues, bone; elevated levels of ALP in the blood are most commonly caused by liver disease or bone disorders.
• ALT (alanine amino transferase, also called SGPT) – enzyme found mostly in the cells of the liver and kidney; a useful test for detecting liver damage
• AST (aspartate amino transferase, also called SGOT) – enzyme found especially in cells in the heart and liver; also a useful test for detecting liver damage
• Bilirubin – waste product produced by the liver as it breaks down and recycles aged red blood cells

Glucose

• Fasting blood sugar level – used to determine status of glucose for likelihood of hypoglycemia and diabetes.