Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

As a part of any regular physical checkup, doctors usually ask patients to get a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel tests done to get a general idea of their liver and kidney conditions, electrolyte and fluid balance, and the status of their glucose levels.

A CMP blood test comprises 14 standard tests that check the levels of different chemical components in the blood of the patient. This test is used to get a general idea about the health condition of the liver, kidneys, and the body as a whole.

There are 14 tests included in a CMP test. A simpler version of the CMP blood test is the basic metabolic panel which consists of 8 out of the 14 original tests. All these are chemical tests that are performed on a sample of blood, which is collected from the patient using a needle. The sample is usually collected after observance of a 10 - 12 hour fast by the patient.

Here is a list of the 14 tests:

This test is done to determine the levels of blood glucose in the body and is an important diagnostic indicator in case of developing diabetes and high blood pressure in an individual.

This is the first test done to check the protein levels in the body.

It is the second of the protein tests done to determine the total amount of protein in the blood serum.

The calcium test is done to determine the amount of calcium present in the blood and can be used to indicate conditions, such as hypercalcemia or even calcium deficiencies, thus, prompting further diagnosis and treatment.

These are a set of 4 tests that are used to determine the concentration of certain important electrolytes that are always present in our body in highly specific concentrations. The 4 electrolyte tests are carried out to check the levels of sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and chloride.

Blood urea nitrogen test is done to check the amount of urea in the blood and also to check the kidney function. Urea is a waste product that is removed from the body by the kidneys.

This is another important test for determining the kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that is filtered out of the blood completely by the kidneys, and if any creatinine is present in the blood, it is directly indicative of a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys.

It is the first of the 4 tests used for determining the liver function.

Alanine aminotransferase is also called alanine transaminase. This test is another indicator of liver function and health.

It is another test done to determine the condition of the liver.

Bilirubin is excreted along with bile from the liver, and an increase of bilirubin levels in the blood could indicate a number of liver disorders including jaundice or hepatitis.

The information gives the normal levels of the various constituents that should be present in the blood. It also mentions the possible deductions in case of a higher or lower concentration (abnormal) to help you understand the results.

Normal Result: 44 to 147 IU/L

Abnormal Indications:
High levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood indicates liver damage and blockage of bile ducts.

Normal Result: 8 to 37 IU/L

Abnormal Indications:
High levels indicate liver damage and even heart failure.

Normal Result: 10 to 34 IU/L

Abnormal Indications:
High levels of AST indicate acute liver disease.

Normal Result: 0.2 to 1.9 mg/dL

Abnormal Indications:
High levels of bilirubin is associated with jaundice, hepatitis, or other liver-related disorders.

Normal Result: 64 - 128 mg/dL

Abnormal Indications:
Higher levels could indicate diabetes mellitus, adrenal cortical hyperactivity, and hyperthyroidism. Low levels could indicate insulinoma, hypopituitarism, and adrenal cortical insufficiency.

Normal Result: HSA: 3.9 to 5.0 g/dL, TP: 6.3 to 7.9 g/dL

Abnormal Indications:
Low levels of protein in the blood indicate liver and heart disease. Higher than normal levels indicate blood diseases such as leukemia. In case of high albumin levels, it could be due to malnutrition or dehydration.

Normal Result: 8.5 - 10.9 mg/dL

Abnormal Indications:
High levels of calcium or hypercalcemia can cause death of the cells in the organs, changes in the cardiac rhythm, and neuromuscular disorders. Low levels or hypocalcemia can cause severe neural disorders and can also affect blood clotting.

Normal Result: Sodium: 136 to 144 mEq/L, Potassium: 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L, Carbon dioxide: 20 to 29 mmol/L, Chloride: 101 to 111 mmol/L

Abnormal Indications:
An increase or decrease in electrolytes could result in severe fluid-electrolyte imbalances. This could affect the osmotic pressure of the cells and cause a number of disorders in the whole body including a number of anomalies in the nervous, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems.

Normal Result: 7 - 20 mg/dL

Abnormal Indications:
High blood urea levels could indicate kidney failure, heart disease, or in some cases ulcers in the digestive system. Lower blood urea levels could be a result of malnutrition or depressed liver function, especially due to alcohol abuse.

Normal Result: 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dL (varies with age)

Abnormal Indications:
High levels of creatinine in blood is directly related to reduced kidney function.

Comprehensive blood panel cost could range from anywhere between USD 90 - 140 and may vary from place to place. It is recommended for anyone who is getting a regular health checkup done and should be done once a year, especially if the patient is above the age of forty.

Although it may be possible to interpret the report yourself; however, seek the doctor's help for clarifications. Usually, if there is an abnormal reading in the CMP blood test, the doctor recommends more tests to be done to properly confirm and identify the exact cause of the change.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.