The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a widely used blood test that provides a detailed assessment of your body’s metabolism, organ function, and overall health. It builds upon the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) by including additional tests that evaluate liver function.
A CMP is often ordered as part of routine health check-ups, to monitor chronic conditions, or to diagnose symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or swelling. If you’ve received your CMP results, understanding what each component measures can help you grasp your health status and any next steps recommended by your doctor.
What Is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?
A CMP consists of 14 blood tests that assess:
- Kidney function
- Liver function
- Blood sugar levels
- Electrolyte and fluid balance
This broader scope makes the CMP a more detailed tool than the BMP.
Components of a CMP and What They Mean
1. Glucose
- Normal Range: 70–100 mg/dL (fasting)
- High Levels: May indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
- Low Levels: Could suggest hypoglycemia or other metabolic conditions.
2. Calcium
- Normal Range: 8.5–10.2 mg/dL
- High Levels: May point to hyperparathyroidism, certain cancers, or excessive vitamin D.
- Low Levels: Could indicate kidney disease, low vitamin D, or malnutrition.
3. Sodium
- Normal Range: 135–145 mEq/L
- High Levels (Hypernatremia): May result from dehydration or hormonal imbalances.
- Low Levels (Hyponatremia): Could be due to kidney issues or overhydration.
4. Potassium
- Normal Range: 3.6–5.2 mEq/L
- High Levels (Hyperkalemia): Often linked to kidney problems or medication effects.
- Low Levels (Hypokalemia): May result from diuretics, diarrhea, or malnutrition.
5. Chloride
- Normal Range: 96–106 mEq/L
- High Levels (Hyperchloremia): May suggest dehydration or metabolic acidosis.
- Low Levels (Hypochloremia): Often due to fluid loss or chronic conditions like lung disease.
6. Bicarbonate (Total CO2)
- Normal Range: 23–29 mEq/L
- High Levels: May indicate metabolic alkalosis or lung disease.
- Low Levels: Could suggest metabolic acidosis or kidney issues.
7. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Normal Range: 7–20 mg/dL
- High Levels: Often a sign of kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake.
- Low Levels: Could indicate malnutrition or liver disease.
8. Creatinine
- Normal Range:
- Men: 0.74–1.35 mg/dL
- Women: 0.59–1.04 mg/dL
- High Levels: May signal kidney disease or muscle breakdown.
- Low Levels: Could be due to low muscle mass or pregnancy.
9. Albumin
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, essential for maintaining fluid balance and transporting nutrients.
- Normal Range: 3.4–5.4 g/dL
- Low Levels: Could indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition.
10. Total Protein
This measures the combined levels of albumin and globulin in your blood.
- Normal Range: 6.0–8.3 g/dL
- Low Levels: May suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- High Levels: Could indicate chronic inflammation or infections.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
The following components specifically assess liver health and function:
11. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An enzyme found in the liver, bones, and bile ducts.
- Normal Range: 44–147 IU/L
- High Levels: May indicate liver disease, bone disorders, or bile duct obstruction.
- Low Levels: Rare but could suggest malnutrition or genetic conditions.
12. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
An enzyme primarily found in the liver, used to assess liver damage.
- Normal Range: 7–56 IU/L
- High Levels: May suggest liver inflammation or damage, such as from hepatitis or alcohol use.
13. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues like the heart and muscles.
- Normal Range: 10–40 IU/L
- High Levels: Could indicate liver damage, muscle injury, or heart conditions.
14. Bilirubin (Total)
A yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells, processed by the liver.
- Normal Range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL
- High Levels: May indicate liver disease, bile duct issues, or hemolytic anemia.
Abnormal CMP Results
Abnormal CMP results may indicate issues with one or more of the following:
- Kidney Health: Elevated BUN and creatinine levels.
- Liver Health: Abnormal ALT, AST, ALP, or bilirubin levels.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Changes in sodium, potassium, or bicarbonate levels may affect muscle, nerve, or heart function.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: High glucose levels may signal diabetes, while low levels suggest hypoglycemia.
Note: This post is for information purposes only. Do not interpret your results on your own. Consult your doctor and your doctor will consider your medical history, symptoms, and additional tests to provide a complete diagnosis.
CMP Blood Test Result Pictures
Below are pictures showing results for comprehensive metabolic panel blood test for male and female individuals. The pictures show both normal and abnormal results.
