Why is this procedure done?
A comprehensive metabolic panel is also called a CMP. The items tested in a CMP are: ‚
- Glucose
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Carbon Dioxide or CO2
- Blood Urea Nitrogen or BUN
- Creatinine
- Albumin
- Total Protein
- Alkaline phosphatase or ALP
- Alanine amino transferase or ALT
- Aspartate amino transferase or AST
- Bilirubin
It may be done as part of a routine health exam. It is also common to have this test if you go to the ER. It gives the doctors clues about the body and how it is working. Then, the doctor can learn about problems or illnesses that may need care right away. ‚
The doctor may order a comprehensive metabolic panel to: ‚
- Check for an electrolyte or fluid imbalance
- See how well your kidneys and liver are working
- Get information on sugar levels related to diabetes
- Look for calcium levels that are too high or low
- Check to see how chronic health problems, like high blood pressure, are affecting your body
- Check to see if there is a problem with nutrition
- Check to see how well your drugs are working
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order other tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- You may need to have this test done more than one time. Your doctor will want to look at how your results change over time.
- Your doctor may order another test to learn more about a result that is not normal.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test. Sometimes, your doctor may want you to stop eating or drinking for 8 to 12 hours before this test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- If you can eat or drink before the test
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was inserted to minimize bleeding and bruising.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem that needs to be treated. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cmp/tab/test ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/blood_test_cmp.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚