What are the components of a Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP)?

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From the Guidelines

A complete metabolic profile (CMP) includes measurement of sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, calcium, albumin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin, as stated in the most recent guidance 1. The components of a CMP provide important information about a patient's overall metabolic function, including:

  • Glucose, which measures blood sugar levels
  • Calcium, which is essential for bone health and nerve function
  • Proteins, including albumin and total protein, which assess nutritional status and liver function
  • Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and proper cell function
  • Kidney function, evaluated through blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
  • Liver function, assessed through alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin These components together provide a comprehensive overview of the body's metabolic processes, allowing healthcare providers to detect various conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorders, and electrolyte imbalances, as supported by the American College of Rheumatology clinical guidance 1. The CMP is typically performed as part of a routine physical examination or when monitoring chronic conditions, and requires a blood sample drawn after an 8-12 hour fast for the most accurate results, particularly for glucose and certain lipid measurements. It's worth noting that while the guidance from 1 and 1 are similar, the most recent guidance from 1 should be prioritized.

From the Research

Components of a Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP)

The components of a Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP) are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, based on the information provided, the following components can be inferred:

  • Electrolytes:
    • Sodium
    • Potassium
    • Chloride
    • Calcium
  • Renal function tests:
    • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
    • Creatinine
  • Acid-base parameters:
    • Bicarbonate
    • Total Carbon Dioxide (tCo2)
  • Other components:
    • Glucose
    • Uric acid
    • Albumin
    • Alkaline phosphatase
    • Phosphorus

Laboratory Tests

The studies mention various laboratory tests, including:

  • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) 2
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) 3
  • Point-of-care systems, such as i-STAT and GEM Premier ChemSTAT, which measure electrolytes, metabolites, acid-base parameters, and hematocrit on blood 4

Analytes Measured

The studies mention the measurement of various analytes, including:

  • Creatinine 4, 5
  • Urea (Blood Urea Nitrogen, BUN) 2, 4, 5
  • Ionized calcium 4, 6
  • Bicarbonate 4, 5
  • Sodium 2, 6
  • Potassium 2, 6
  • Chloride 2, 6
  • Glucose 3, 6
  • Uric acid 5
  • Albumin 3, 6
  • Alkaline phosphatase 3, 6
  • Phosphorus 5, 6

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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