Comprehensive Metabolic Panel in Colorado

What this test measures

The CMP measures chemicals that reflect how several organ systems are working. Glucose shows blood sugar status, while blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and eGFR describe kidney filtration. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide reflect electrolyte and fluid balance. Calcium, total protein, and albumin add information about nutrition and protein status, and liver enzymes and bilirubin complete the panel. It is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests.

A blood sample is collected by venipuncture at a partner laboratory and analyzed on automated chemistry platforms. Fasting may be requested because glucose is affected by recent meals, although a non-fasting CMP can still provide useful information. Results are reported with reference ranges, and some laboratories include calculated values such as the anion gap or eGFR alongside the measured markers.

People order a CMP for annual physicals, before surgery, when starting a new medication that requires monitoring, or when evaluating symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination. It is a broad screening and monitoring tool rather than a diagnosis of a specific condition. A qualified healthcare provider should interpret the panel with your medical history and any other test results.