### What is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)? A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures 14 different substances in your blood. It provides your doctor with important information about your liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels, and the balance of electrolytes and fluids in your body. ### What Does a CMP Test For? The CMP includes the following 14 tests: - **Albumin**: A protein made by the liver, important for carrying hormones, vitamins, and enzymes. - **Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)**: An enzyme found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. - **Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)**: An enzyme mainly found in the liver. - **Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)**: An enzyme found in the liver and other organs. - **Total Protein**: Measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and globulin. - **Bilirubin**: A yellow compound that occurs when red blood cells break down. - **Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)**: A waste product filtered out by the kidneys. - **Creatinine**: A waste product from muscle activity, filtered out by the kidneys. - **Carbon Dioxide (CO2)**: Mostly in the form of bicarbonate, helps maintain pH balance. - **Chloride**: An electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and pH. - **Potassium**: An electrolyte essential for muscle and nerve function. - **Sodium**: An electrolyte important for nerve and muscle function. - **Glucose**: A type of sugar that is the main source of energy for your body. - **Calcium**: A mineral important for bone health and muscle function. ### Why Might You Need a CMP? Your doctor may order a CMP as part of your annual checkup or to monitor conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease. It can also help track the effectiveness of medications and detect any potential side effects on the liver or kidneys. ### How is the Test Done? A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. You may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test to ensure accurate glucose levels. ### Understanding Your Results Your doctor will review the results to look for any patterns that might indicate a health issue. Abnormal results don't always mean there's a problem, as many factors can affect the results. Always discuss your results with your doctor to understand what they mean for your health.