Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

This important panel comprises a group of tests that provide information on an individual's blood levels of electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, and glucose as well as renal function, hepatic function, and acid-base balance. The panel is usually ordered as part of a health examination to detect a range of disorders, especially those that may affect the liver or kidneys.

Sodium: An electrolyte that plays a central role in maintaining the normal distribution of water and appropriate pressure to assure that substances do not leak from cells and organs. Sodium measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.

Potassium: An electrolyte that is essential for proper muscle and nerve function and helps keep the balance of fluids. Potassium measurements are useful in assessing electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels.

Chloride: An electrolyte that helps maintain volume, acidity, and electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Chloride measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis.

Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate): A type of blood gas used to evaluate the total carbonate buffering system and acid-base balance. Carbon dioxide is generally evaluated with other common electrolytes; the measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with changes in body acid-base balance.

Glucose: A type of sugar that serves as the body's main energy source. Glucose measurements are useful in the diagnosis of diabetes and low blood sugar.

Calcium: A mineral in the body that is essential for nerve, muscle, and heart functions and bone formation. Calcium measurements are useful in the diagnosis of parathyroid disease, some bone disorders, and chronic kidney disease.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): The principal waste product of protein catabolism. BUN measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of certain kidney and metabolic diseases.

Creatinine: A waste product of the muscles. Creatinine measurements are useful in the evaluation of kidney function and in monitoring renal dialysis.

Creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): A value calculated using serum creatinine measurements and the patient's age and sex to reflect kidney function. eGFR is useful in detecting and monitoring chronic kidney disease in adults.

Phosphate (as phosphorus): A mineral that is essential for muscle and nerve functions, energy production, and bone formation. Phosphate measurements are used in combination with calcium measurements to evaluate kidney, endocrine, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Albumin: A protein that keeps fluid from leaking out of the blood and carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes in the body. Albumin measurements are useful in the monitoring and treatment of numerous diseases involving primarily the liver and kidneys.

Total bilirubin: A waste product generated when old red blood cells break down. Bilirubin measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of liver, hemolytic, hematologic, and metabolic disorders, including hepatitis and gallbladder obstructive disease.

Total protein: A sum of albumin and globulins. Protein measurements are useful in the diagnosis of disorders involving the liver, kidneys, or bone marrow.

Alkaline phosphatase: An enzyme found mainly in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. Alkaline phosphatase measurements are useful in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary disorders and bone diseases associated with increased bone formation.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): An enzyme widely distributed throughout the tissues, with significant amounts present in the heart and liver. AST measurements are useful in the evaluation of liver and heart damage.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme found in highest concentrations in the liver and often measured in conjunction with AST. ALT measurements are useful in the diagnosis and management of certain liver diseases (eg, viral hepatitis and cirrhosis). Very high values may be associated with hepatitis, though some people with hepatitis have ALT values within the reference interval.