Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A blood test panel measuring 14 biomarkers to assess kidney function, liver health, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and protein levels.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) captures 14 distinct blood measurements in a single draw, making it one of the broadest routine screening tools available. It evaluates organ function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic status all at once, giving healthcare providers a wide-angle view of how multiple body systems are performing.
Specifically, the CMP reports blood sugar (glucose) to flag early signs of diabetes, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to gauge kidney filtration, and a set of liver enzymes and proteins (including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total protein) that reflect how well the liver is processing and manufacturing key substances. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide round out the panel, revealing fluid balance and acid-base status. Because these measurements span so many organ systems, the CMP is commonly ordered during annual checkups, pre-surgical evaluations, and ongoing management of chronic conditions.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals seeking routine health screening as part of annual wellness checkups
- Those with symptoms that could indicate liver or kidney dysfunction, such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination
- Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease who need regular monitoring
- People taking medications that may affect liver or kidney function
- Adults over 40 who want comprehensive metabolic health assessment
- Those with family history of diabetes, liver disease, or kidney problems
What to expect
Preparation
Fasting for 8-12 hours is typically required before the test to ensure accurate glucose measurements. Water is fine during the fasting window. Coffee and other beverages are generally not recommended since even black coffee can affect glucose readings. Patients should avoid intense exercise before the test as it can temporarily affect liver enzyme and creatinine levels. No doctor visit required for this convenient lab test.
Sample Type
Blood sample collected from a vein in the arm using a standard needle and tube method.
Collection
A trained phlebotomist will draw your blood sample at the lab. Phlebotomists are health care professionals who specialize in drawing blood from adults and children. They collect and prepare your blood so it can be tested in a medical lab. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after sample collection and can be accessed through a secure online portal.
Understanding your results
CMP results are most useful when read as a group rather than one number at a time. A slightly elevated liver enzyme, for example, may carry different significance depending on whether kidney markers and electrolytes are also shifting. Each measurement comes with a laboratory-specific reference range, and those ranges can differ modestly from lab to lab, so results should always be compared against the range printed on the same report.
Healthcare providers look for patterns and relationships across the 14 values, factoring in age, medications, hydration status, and existing health conditions before determining whether any finding warrants further testing or a change in treatment.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Men and Women | Glucose: 70-99 mg/dL (fasting), Creatinine: 0.6-1.3 mg/dL, Sodium: 135-145 mmol/L, Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L | Typical adult ranges include glucose ~70, 99 mg/dL, creatinine ~0.6, 1.3 mg/dL, sodium 135, 145 mmol/L, and ALT ~7, 56 U/L, although ranges vary slightly by laboratory |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low values may occur with malnutrition, overhydration, medication effects, or hormonal disorders. Low albumin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or nutritional deficiencies. Decreased sodium may suggest overhydration or certain hormonal imbalances, while low glucose could indicate hypoglycemia. Low total protein levels may be associated with liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
What does a “High” result mean?
High CMP values may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, liver dysfunction, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalance. Elevated glucose levels may suggest diabetes or prediabetes, while high creatinine or BUN can indicate kidney dysfunction. Increased liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) may signal liver cell damage or bile duct issues. Keep in mind that if one of your CMP results is abnormal, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical condition that's causing it. Other factors, such as diet, certain medications and health conditions, can affect your test results.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your CMP test results are completely confidential and protected by strict privacy standards. The results are <u>not reported to your personal doctor</u> unless you choose to share them, and they are <u>not part of your medical records</u> maintained by healthcare providers. This test <u>will not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits (EOB) forms since you pay directly for the service. Your employer, insurance company, or government agencies cannot access these results without your explicit written consent. All results are securely transmitted through encrypted channels and stored in HIPAA-compliant systems. You have complete control over who sees your health information, allowing you to make informed decisions about your metabolic health privately and confidentially.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
A smaller version of the CMP with 8 tests focused on kidney function and electrolytes
View TestLiver Function Panel
Provides more detailed liver testing including additional enzymes and function markers
View TestLipid Panel
Often ordered alongside CMP for comprehensive cardiovascular and metabolic health assessment
View TestHemoglobin A1C
Provides 3-month average blood sugar levels to complement CMP glucose results
View TestRelated conditions
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Read ArticleLast reviewed: April 10, 2026
CPT Code: 80053
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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