Limbic 365The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a group of blood tests that provide valuable information about a person’s overall health. This panel includes several tests that evaluate a person’s liver, kidney, and metabolic functions. CMP is a standard laboratory test that doctors commonly order to diagnose, monitor, or treat a range of medical conditions. In this article, we will discuss what CMP is, what it measures, and what the normal range of CMP values is. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about CMP.
What is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that evaluates a person’s overall health by measuring various markers in the blood. A CMP usually includes 14 different tests, including liver function tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte tests, and blood glucose tests. The test is performed by drawing blood from a vein and analyzing the blood sample in a laboratory.
What does a CMP measure?
A CMP measures several important markers in the blood, including:
- Liver Function Tests: CMP measures levels of liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin. These tests evaluate the overall health of the liver and diagnose liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- Kidney Function Tests: CMP measures levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). These tests evaluate the overall health of the kidneys and diagnose kidney diseases, such as acute or chronic kidney disease.
- Electrolyte Tests: CMP measures levels of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride. These tests evaluate the balance of these minerals in the body and diagnose electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration.
- Blood Glucose Tests: CMP measures levels of glucose in the blood. These tests evaluate the overall health of the metabolism and diagnose diabetes.
What is the normal range for CMP values?
The normal range for CMP values may vary depending on the laboratory and the age and gender of the patient. The table below shows the normal range for CMP values for adults.
| CMP Test | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Glucose | 70-99 mg/dL |
| Calcium | 8.5-10.2 mg/dL |
| Total protein | 6.0-8.5 g/dL |
| Albumin | 3.5-5.5 g/dL |
| Bilirubin, total | 0.1-1.2 mg/dL |
| Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) | 44-147 IU/L |
| Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) | 0-44 IU/L |
| Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) | 0-40 IU/L |
| Sodium | 135-145 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5-5.0 mEq/L |
| Chloride | 98-106 mEq/L |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 23-29 mEq/L |
| Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) | 7-20 mg/dL |
| Creatinine | 0.6-1.3 mg/dL |
(Source: Mayo Clinic Laboratories)
