COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL, plasma

Any other names for this test?

This test is also known as chem 14, the chemistry panel, the chemistry screen, and the metabolic panel.

What is a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test?

This panel consists of a series of tests that provide details about a person's blood levels of electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, and glucose, as well as about their kidney, hepatic, and acid-base functions. The panel is typically requested as part of a physical exam to look for a variety of illnesses, particularly ones that could impact the liver or kidneys.

What tests are measured on a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test?

A comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test your blood for the following substances:
 
Glucose: Glucose is a form of sugar that gives your body and brain energy. Blood sugar is another name for glucose. A high fasting blood glucose level is frequently an indication of type 2 diabetes. Fasting or not, extremely high glucose levels typically signal Type 1 diabetes.
Calcium: Calcium is one of the most significant and common minerals in your body. You need calcium in your blood even though the majority of it is stored in your bones. The normal function of your heart, muscles, and neurological system depends on blood calcium.
Total protein: This number represents the sum of the albumin and globulin proteins in your blood.
Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a waste product formed when red blood cells break down. The purpose of the liver is to eliminate bilirubin from your body.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen): Blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, is a urea nitrogen measurement. Your kidneys assist in removing this waste material from your blood.
Creatinine: Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle activity. Your kidneys filter it and remove it as waste from your blood.
Albumin: Albumin is a protein that is made from your liver. It transports essential nutrients throughout your bloodstream and stops fluid from flowing out of your blood vessels.
 
A CMP also measures the four electrolytes listed below. They are referred to as electrolytes when minerals dissolve in a liquid and produce an electric charge. Your blood's electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function as well as the pH and water balance in your body.
 

• Sodium: Your kidneys aid in maintaining healthy amounts of sodium in your body, which is primarily obtained from the foods you eat.
• Potassium: Potassium is a mineral derived from food and is present in all body tissues.
• Bicarbonate: The amount of bicarbonate in your blood indicates the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Chloride: Chloride regulates many body processes in conjunction with sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate.

 
A CMP test is used to measure three more liver enzymes. Enzymes are chemicals that act as catalysts in specific physiological processes.
 

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
• Alanine transaminase (ALT)

 
What is a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test used for?
 
Healthcare professionals frequently use a complete metabolic panel (CMP) test to diagnose your general physical health. With the help of its 14 test measurements, it can evaluate several bodily processes and functions, including:
 

• Your liver and kidneys work.
• Your blood sugar level.
• The acid and base levels in your blood are balanced.
• Your balance of electrolytes and water.

  
Your healthcare physician may order a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test you for any of the following reasons, depending on the circumstances:
 

1. Diagnosis: A CMP can help your doctor identify many diseases and conditions.
2. Screening: The process of identifying health issues before they become symptoms is known as screening. Frequent screening helps identify several illnesses early. A CMP is frequently used via healthcare professionals as part of routine health screening because it includes 14 different measurements.
3. Monitoring: If you have a particular medical condition, a CMP could help your doctor determine whether the medication is working as it should. CMPs can also be used to check for negative reactions to drugs, especially those that could affect your liver or kidneys.

Why do I need a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test?

A comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test can be used in a variety of conditions, including:
 

• If you have symptoms of liver, kidney, or metabolic problems.
• If you have multiple symptoms, such as fatigue, because a CMP evaluates several vital blood components, it can assist in identifying or ruling out causes for common illnesses.
• Your doctor might want to retest you if you previously had an abnormal test result to determine whether your levels have changed or are still abnormal.
• If you are having treatment for a medical condition, your doctor may order tests to see whether the treatment is effective.
• If you are starting a new medication, that could affect how well your liver or kidneys work.

 If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, book a  comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test for yourself.

What happens during a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test?

Your doctor will collect a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm with a tiny needle and place it in a test tube for further analysis. The needle's in-and-out movement may cause some discomfort. The test just lasts five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

It may be necessary for you to fast (without eating or drinking for at least eight hours) before taking the test.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is no harmful risk associated with a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test but the area where the needle went may cause you some discomfort.

What do the results mean?

Numerous disorders can be identified if any comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test result or group of results is abnormal. Diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease are some of them. Further tests will almost certainly be required to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis.
 
If you have any questions about your results, consult with your healthcare provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about a comprehensive metabolic panel, plasma test?

A basic metabolic panel test is equivalent to a CMP (BMP). A BMP is composed of the same eight tests as a CMP. It eliminates the liver and protein tests.