From the Guidelines
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a more extensive laboratory exam compared to the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), as it includes a broader range of tests to assess metabolic parameters, such as liver function tests, in addition to the standard electrolyte and kidney function tests found in the BMP 1.
Key Differences
- The CMP typically consists of 14 tests, including:
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide)
- Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine, eGFR)
- Liver function tests (ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, total protein)
- Glucose level
- In contrast, the BMP usually includes 8 tests, focusing on:
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide)
- Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine)
- Glucose level
Clinical Implications
The CMP provides a more comprehensive evaluation of a patient's metabolic status, including liver and kidney function, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring various metabolic disorders 1.
- The additional liver function tests in the CMP allow for the assessment of liver health and the detection of potential liver damage or disease.
- The CMP is often used in clinical practice to evaluate patients with symptoms or risk factors for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease.
- In contrast, the BMP is often used for routine monitoring or screening purposes, particularly in patients with known metabolic disorders or those requiring regular electrolyte and kidney function assessments.
From the Research
Difference between Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) are two types of blood tests used to evaluate various aspects of a patient's health 2.
- The main difference between the two panels is the number of tests included: the BMP typically includes 8-10 tests, while the CMP includes 14-17 tests 2.
- The BMP usually includes tests for:
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride)
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- Glucose
- Calcium
- The CMP, on the other hand, includes all the tests in the BMP, as well as additional tests for:
- Liver function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase)
- Total bilirubin
- Total protein
- Albumin
- A study found that limiting testing to a BMP for patients with none of the 12 clinical variables has the potential annual cost savings of $7125 2.
- Another study suggested that the inclusion of total calcium in the BMP and CMP may lead to excess or unnecessary testing, as the prevalence of hypo- and hypercalcemia-related diagnoses did not change significantly after implementation of these panels 3.
Clinical Variables Associated with Abnormal Results
- Variables significantly associated with abnormal liver function test (LFT) results include:
- History of liver disease
- History of heart disease
- Jaundice
- Hepatomegaly 2
Implications for Nursing and Laboratory Utilization
- Nurses should be aware of the implications of abnormal BMP findings, including electrolyte imbalances and kidney disorders 4.
- A quality improvement project found that education and positive reinforcement can reduce overutilization of laboratory tests, including the BMP 5.
- A study using electronic health record (EHR) data found that longitudinal quantitative trait data can be used to identify genetic associations with variability in metabolic health and blood count laboratory values 6.