Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Reviewed
Also called: chem 14, chemistry panel, chemistry screen, metabolic panel
A routine blood test that measures 14 substances to provide information about your metabolism, liver and kidney health, blood glucose, protein levels, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
Specimen: Blood sample from a vein in your arm
Why this test may be ordered
- As part of a routine checkup
- To check liver and kidney health
- To help diagnose symptoms such as fatigue
- To monitor treatment for certain medical conditions
- To follow up on an abnormal previous CMP result
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Your CMP results will list the levels of each of the 14 substances measured. Your provider will compare all the results, considering your health history, medications, and other factors to interpret what they mean for your health.
- All results within normal range: Your metabolism, liver and kidney function, blood glucose, protein levels, and electrolyte balance appear to be in a typical range. No significant issues are detected. Limitation: This result does not rule out all health conditions. Some problems may not be reflected in these measurements. Next step: Continue routine monitoring as recommended by your provider. No immediate action is needed.
- One or more results outside normal range: This may indicate a health condition such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, or an electrolyte imbalance. For example, high blood glucose may be a sign of diabetes. Limitation: Abnormal results do not confirm a specific diagnosis. They can be affected by medications, diet, or temporary factors. Further testing is needed. Next step: Your provider will likely order additional tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. Discuss your results with your provider to determine next steps.
- A CMP provides a snapshot of your metabolism but does not diagnose specific conditions on its own.
- Abnormal results may be due to medications, diet, or temporary factors.
- False positives or negatives are possible; confirmatory tests are often needed.
- Reference ranges may vary between laboratories; your provider will interpret results based on the lab's range.
What to do next
If your results are abnormal, your provider will likely recommend additional tests to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. Discuss your results with your provider to understand what they mean for your health and whether any follow-up is needed.
- Do I need to fast before the test, and for how long?
- What medications or supplements might affect my CMP results?
- What do my specific results indicate about my liver and kidney function?
- Will I need additional tests based on these results?
- How often should I have a CMP done?
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)