What is CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)?
A blood sample test that measures 14 different blood substances is called a CMP blood test (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). It provides essential information about your body's metabolism (how your body turns into energy the food you eat) and chemical balance.
To test, diagnose, or monitor certain medical health conditions, doctors often use a routine CMP blood test.
What is a blood test?
Doctors can detect many types of conditions and diseases by taking a small sample of blood from a person for a CMP blood test. Blood tests can help doctors check whether medical treatment is helping and how well the body's organs are working.
Find out if she should stop taking medicine or fast (not eat or drink) before the test to prepare for a CMP blood test. At Big Man Lab we explain what to expect during the test. Also we consider ways to keep calm those who are worried about the test.
What does CMP blood test measure?
14 isolated measurements performed on a single blood sample makes up the CMP:
ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) test: It is an enzyme found mainly in the liver.
Albumin test: It is a liver protein that prevents fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels and also carries important substances throughout the body.
ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) test: They are enzymes found throughout the body. It is found primarily in the bone and liver and supports many biological processes.
AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) test: Is an enzyme found in other body tissues and in the liver.
Bicarbonate test: The level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood is reflected by an electrolyte called bicarbonate.
Bilirubin test: Resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells, it is a yellowish waste product. The central role of the liver is in removing body bilirubin.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test: It is a waste product that is removed from the kidneys from blood.
Calcium test: It is an essential mineral that promotes muscle function, bone health, and nervous systems and the cardiovascular. Though blood levels of the mineral do not usually vary with diet, the main source of calcium is food. Instead, blood calcium is usually drawn from storage in the bones.
Chloride test: It is another electrolyte that enables various processes in the body, along with bicarbonate, potassium and sodium.
Creatinine test: It is a waste product that is normally removed from the blood by your kidneys. It is a normal muscle activity byproduct.
Glucose test: It is a sugar type that provides the body and brain with energy. It can increase in metabolic problems such as diabetes and is also known as blood sugar.
Potassium test: They are electrolytes come from the food you eat and is found in all tissues of the body.
Sodium test: it is a type of electrolyte that promotes a healthy acid-base balance and healthy fluid levels in the body. They also facilitate proper function of nerves and muscles. Your kidneys help regulate sodium levels in your body and most of your body sodium comes from your food.
Total protein test: it is a measure of the amount of globulin and albumin, which are proteins associated with immune and blood vessels function.
What is CMP blood test used for?
To provide a comprehensive assessment of your overall physical health, doctors usually use a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Consisting of 14 distinct measurements, different bodily processes and functions can be monitored, these include:
- Kidney and liver health.
- Sugar in blood level.
- Acid-base balance in the blood.
- Your body’s electrolyte and fluid balance.
Your doctor may send you a CMP depending on the situation, for these reasons:
Health Diagnosis: Certain medical conditions be can diagnosed using a CMP blood test.
Health Screening: Trying to find health conditions before symptoms show sis referred to as screening. Routine exams help detect some diseases at an early stage. Doctors usually use CMP blood tests as part of a routine health assessment because it includes 14 different measurements.
Health Monitoring: A CMP blood test can help your doctor determine if your treatment is working for certain medical condition. The CMP blood test can equally help detect the side effects of some medications, especially those that can affect the kidneys or liver.
How to prepare for a CMP blood test?
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for at least 8 hours before the test.
Are there any risks associated to CMP blood test?
The risk of a blood test is very low. Though most symptoms go away quickly, you may feel bruising or pain at the injection site.
Why you need a CMP blood tests?
The CMP blood test is often done as part of a routine checkup. If your doctor thinks you have kidney or liver disease, you may equally need this test.
Taking a CMP blood test
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel requires a blood sample. Using the same sample taken from an arm vein, all the 14 measurements in the panel can be conducted. Usually a clinic, laboratory, hospital, or doctor's office is used for the blood draw.
What happens before a CMP blood test?
Before having your blood drawn for CMP blood test, you may need to fast. This means that you drink anything but water or do not eat. You will fast for 10 to 12 hours in most cases before the test, but your doctor's office may ask you to follow specific instructions.
Also tell your doctor in preparation for the test, about dietary supplements you take regularly or any medications. Before you have your blood is drawn, your doctor can then tell you if you need to change the schedule of your medication.
What happens during a CMP blood test?
Usually takes less than a few minutes for a routine blood draw procedure. An elastic band around your upper arm by a lab technician while you are seated. The part of your arm where the blood will be drawn will be cleaned with an antiseptic. A vial of blood will be drawn after a needle is inserted into your vein.
When inserting and removing the needle in the arm, there may be some pain, often in the form of a small pinprick.
What happens after a CMP blood test?
The needle is withdrawn to complete the procedure, after drawing a vial of blood. Usually, to stop bleeding at the puncture site, the technician applies a bandage or pad. Some people's arms are sore or bruised after a blood draw. However, long-lasting or serious effects are rare.
You should bring something to eat after the blood draw since you must be sober before the test. You will be able to drive and do most normal activities after completing the CMP blood test. However, you must wait at least one hour after the extraction to carry heavy objects or exercise.
What do CMP blood test results mean?
CMP blood test reports, typically provide the following information:
- The results by measure or number of your blood test.
- The normal range for this test measurement.
- What is being measured in the blood and name of the blood test.
- Data showing whether your results are abnormal or normal, low or high.
If a combination of results or a single CMP blood test result is abnormal, it can indicate, though not a guarantee, a variety of health situations, for instance:
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension (High blood pressure).
- Liver disease.
- Nephropathy.
Your doctor will likely rule out certain diagnoses or run more tests to confirm if you have abnormal results. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor if you have questions about your CMP blood test results.
A message from Big Man Lab:
This test is a useful and common blood test that provides a comprehensive assessment of your physical health. It does not always mean that you have a medical condition when there is an abnormal reading on your CMP blood test result. An abnormal CMP blood test result can be seen in about one in 20 healthy people. Several other factors can influence the CMP blood test results. To determine the cause of the abnormal reading, your doctor will let you know if further testing is required. Doctors are there to help you so do not be afraid to ask your questions.
