Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A group of 14 blood tests that provide a broad overview of the body's metabolism, including kidney function, liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance.
Last medically reviewed: April 10, 2026 | Reviewed by LabResult.MD Editorial Team
What is a CMP?
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a group of 14 blood tests that measure substances in the blood to assess the body's metabolism. It provides important information about kidney function, liver function, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte and fluid balance.
The CMP includes everything in the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) plus six additional tests related to liver function and protein levels. It is commonly ordered as part of routine health screenings and to monitor chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney or liver disease. Fasting for 10–12 hours is typically required before the test.
What Does a CMP Measure?
A CMP includes 14 components grouped by function:
Kidney Function
Creatinine
A waste product from muscle metabolism filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function.
Typical range: Men: 0.74 – 1.35 mg/dL • Women: 0.59 – 1.04 mg/dL
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Measures how much urea nitrogen is in the blood. The kidneys filter urea; high BUN may suggest kidney problems or dehydration.
Typical range: 6 – 20 mg/dL
Blood Sugar
Glucose
The body's primary energy source. Fasting glucose levels help screen for diabetes and prediabetes.
Typical range: 70 – 99 mg/dL (fasting)
Electrolytes
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
These electrolytes help regulate fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contractions, and acid-base balance. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or other metabolic issues.
Typical ranges: Sodium: 136 – 145 mEq/L • Potassium: 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L • Chloride: 98 – 106 mEq/L • CO2: 23 – 29 mEq/L
Calcium
Essential for bones, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Abnormal calcium may point to parathyroid, kidney, or bone disorders.
Typical range: 8.5 – 10.5 mg/dL
Liver Function
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) & AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
Enzymes found primarily in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or medication side effects.
Typical ranges: ALT: 7 – 56 U/L • AST: 10 – 40 U/L
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
An enzyme found in the liver and bones. Elevated ALP can suggest bile duct obstruction, liver disease, or bone disorders.
Typical range: 44 – 147 U/L
Bilirubin (Total)
A yellowish substance produced when red blood cells break down. High bilirubin can cause jaundice and may indicate liver disease, bile duct problems, or hemolytic anemia.
Typical range: 0.1 – 1.2 mg/dL
Proteins
Albumin & Total Protein
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood and is made by the liver. Low levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Total protein includes albumin and globulins.
Typical ranges: Albumin: 3.5 – 5.0 g/dL • Total Protein: 6.0 – 8.3 g/dL
CMP Reference Ranges at a Glance
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, testing method, age, sex, and other factors. Always use the ranges provided on your lab report.
| Component | Normal Range | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | 70 – 99 | mg/dL |
| Creatinine | 0.59 – 1.35 | mg/dL |
| BUN | 6 – 20 | mg/dL |
| Sodium | 136 – 145 | mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5 – 5.0 | mEq/L |
| Chloride | 98 – 106 | mEq/L |
| CO2 | 23 – 29 | mEq/L |
| Calcium | 8.5 – 10.5 | mg/dL |
| ALT | 7 – 56 | U/L |
| AST | 10 – 40 | U/L |
| ALP | 44 – 147 | U/L |
| Bilirubin | 0.1 – 1.2 | mg/dL |
| Albumin | 3.5 – 5.0 | g/dL |
| Total Protein | 6.0 – 8.3 | g/dL |
When is a CMP Ordered?
A healthcare provider may order a CMP as part of:
- Routine annual health screenings
- Monitoring diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
- Evaluating symptoms like fatigue, nausea, confusion, or swelling
- Checking the effects of medications on the liver or kidneys
- Pre-surgical evaluation
- Monitoring electrolyte balance in hospitalized patients
What Abnormal Results May Mean
Abnormal CMP values are interpreted together and in context. A single abnormal value does not necessarily indicate a problem.
High values could indicate
- Kidney disease (high creatinine, BUN)
- Diabetes (high glucose)
- Liver damage (high ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin)
- Dehydration (high sodium, BUN)
- Parathyroid disorders (high calcium)
Low values could indicate
- Malnutrition (low albumin, total protein)
- Liver disease (low albumin)
- Hypoglycemia (low glucose)
- Electrolyte imbalances (low sodium, potassium)
- Overhydration (low sodium)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CMP blood test include?
A CMP includes 14 tests: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, BUN, creatinine, albumin, total protein, ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin. These evaluate blood sugar, electrolyte balance, kidney function, and liver function.
What is the difference between a CMP and BMP?
A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) includes 8 tests covering glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and kidney function. A CMP includes all BMP tests plus 6 additional tests for liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) and protein levels (albumin, total protein).
Do you need to fast before a CMP?
Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is typically required before a CMP because food intake can affect glucose and some other results. Water is usually permitted. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions.
Related Biomarkers and Panels
Sources
- MedlinePlus. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. U.S. National Library of Medicine
- National Kidney Foundation. Understanding Your Lab Values
- American Liver Foundation. Liver Function Tests
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider.