Nationwide collection sitesOrder without a doctor's referralConfidential results

Test library

Metabolic Panel CMP

The comprehensive metabolic panel measures glucose, electrolytes, kidney function, and liver enzymes, providing a broad view of the body's chemical balance.

Order Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Online Testing

Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.

Order Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Online Testing
Typical turnaround
1-3 business days
Starting price
From $39
Results
Confidential, online

Quick answer

The comprehensive metabolic panel, often called the CMP, is a blood test that measures fourteen common chemistry markers in one order. It covers blood sugar, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver enzymes. The CMP is used for routine health screening and to monitor ongoing conditions. A healthcare provider interprets the results with your history.

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.

  • Glucose
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • Creatinine
  • Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Chloride
  • Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)
  • Calcium
  • Total protein
  • Albumin
  • Liver enzymes including ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin

Why people order this test

  • Routine metabolic screening at a physical exam
  • Monitor kidney and liver function over time
  • Evaluate electrolyte balance
  • Check blood sugar status
  • Monitor the effects of ongoing medical conditions
Order lab testing onlineChoose from hundreds of panels, order online, and visit a certified collection site near you.
Order Metabolic Panel CMP

How to prepare

Fasting for eight to twelve hours may be requested because glucose is included, so follow the instructions on your order. A single blood draw is standard, and water is generally allowed. Tell the laboratory about medications or supplements you take.

Understanding your results

Results are generally available within one to three business days. Each marker is compared with a reference range, and providers often review the panel as a whole rather than as isolated numbers. A healthcare provider should interpret the results with your health history and any prior lab values.

Metabolic Panel CMP by state

Related tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CMP measure?

It measures fourteen markers covering blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney function, protein status, and liver enzymes.

Do I need to fast for a CMP?

Fasting may be requested because glucose is included. Follow the instructions provided by the laboratory.

How is the CMP different from a basic metabolic panel?

The comprehensive panel adds liver enzymes and protein markers, while the basic panel focuses on glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function.

Can I drink water before the test?

Water is generally allowed during fasting unless the laboratory instructs otherwise.

What conditions can a CMP help monitor?

It is commonly used to monitor kidney function, liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar in a variety of conditions.

Ready to get tested?

Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.

Order Metabolic Panel CMP

Reviewed by the LabOrdering Editorial Team

Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.

Medical disclaimer. The information on LabOrdering.com is educational only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges and clinical guidance vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own results and care.