From the Guidelines
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures 14 different components, including sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, calcium, albumin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin, to evaluate various aspects of the body's chemical balance and metabolism. The CMP is a crucial diagnostic tool that provides valuable information about kidney function, liver function, blood sugar levels, protein levels, electrolyte and fluid balance, and acid-base balance 1. Some of the key components of the CMP include:
- Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and chloride
- Kidney function tests: blood urea nitrogen and creatinine
- Liver function tests: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin
- Protein tests: albumin and total protein
- Blood sugar test: glucose
- Calcium level test: calcium The CMP is commonly ordered during routine medical examinations or when evaluating various medical conditions, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection 1. It is essential to note that the CMP should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and medical history, and abnormal results may indicate problems with kidney or liver function, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or electrolyte imbalances that require further investigation 1.