CMP Blood Test Explained
Did you know more than 7 billion lab tests are performed in the United States each year that provide crucial information about your health for a relatively low cost?
So if you find yourself avoiding the doctor because you don’t want the expense or hassle of having a blood test, then it’s time to think again. A CMP blood test is an easy and quick blood test to get, yet it has the power to save your life.
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) measures various processes in your body and paints a picture of how well your body is doing.
Are you interested in learning what a CMP blood test is all about and why you should get one? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
What Is a CMP Blood Test?
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that can measure at least 14 substances in your blood, giving a clear picture of your body’s overall health and metabolism. A CMP is also a fantastic indicator of how well your liver, kidneys are working.
Metabolism is the process of how your body uses food and energy. If this process is out of balance, a CMP can detect what the problem could be. A CMP is a powerful diagnostic tool that gives you a great insight into your overall health.
What Does a CMP Measure?
A comprehensive metabolic panel measures 14 different substances that are present in your blood. It gives essential information about your body’s balance and metabolism. A CMP tests for:
- Glucose, which is sugar and is energy for your body
- Calcium is one of your body’s most important minerals
- Sodium, chloride, potassium, carbon dioxide are electrolytes
- Albumin is a protein made by the liver
- Total Protein are proteins found in the blood
- ALP, ALT, AST, and Bilirubin are liver tests
- BUN and creatinine are kidneys tests
Why Do You Need a CMP Test?
CMP blood testing is helpful for a regular annual health checkup, as it gives an excellent assessment of your overall health. Your doctor will also order a CMP to check for:
- Liver and kidney health
- Protein and blood sugar levels
- Electrolyte balance
- Hydration
- Overall metabolism
Many medications can cause side effects such as kidney or liver effects, so a CMP is often used to monitor the impact of different medications.
How to Prepare for a CMP Test
Often for a CMP blood test, fasting is necessary. Your doctor will usually advise you not to eat or drink 10 to 12 hours before you have your test.
A medical professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm and collect the blood in a test tube. Usually, you will feel a slight sting as the needle enters your arm, but the entire procedure is over in as little as 5 minutes.
Understand Your CMP Results
The best way to have your CMP blood test results explained is to review them with your doctor, but there are plenty of resources online that can help guide you through your results.
To make it easier, you can take the results of your CMP and break them into categories for your liver, kidney, electrolytes, protein, blood sugar, and calcium levels.
CMP Liver Tests
The CMP checks three substances made by the liver; the ALP, ALT, and AST. It also checks your bilirubin level, which is a waste product from your liver. Elevated levels of any of these can indicate disease or other problems with your liver. The normal ranges are:
- ALP (alkaline phosphatase): 44-147 international units per liter (IU/L)
- ALT (alanine aminotransferase): 7-40 IU/L
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase): 10-34 IU/L
- Bilirubin: 0.3-1.9 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
CMP Kidney Tests
The CMP test also checks how well your kidneys are functioning by measuring the waste products your kidney produces. An elevated BUN and creatinine can indicate kidney disease. These measurements include a BUN and creatinine level. Normal ranges include:
- BUN (blood urea nitrogen): 6-20 mg/dl
- Creatinine: 0.6-1.3mg/dl
CMP Electrolyte Tests
Electrolyte levels include things like sodium and potassium. Electrolytes are critical for your body to function normally. You need normal levels of electrolytes for your muscles, brain, and heart to function. Abnormal results can indicate dehydration, heart disease, or kidney disease. Normal ranges are:
- Sodium: 136-145 milliequivalents per liter (meq/L)
- Potassium: 3.5-5.1 meq/L
- Chloride: 96-106 meq/L
- CO2 (carbon dioxide): 23-29 meq/L
CMP Protein Tests
The CMP tests for proteins in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by your liver, and other proteins circulate in your blood generally. Proteins are essential for healthy bones, muscles, blood, and organs. If these levels are abnormally low, it could mean you have problems with nutrition, liver, or kidney disease. Normal ranges are:
- Albumin: 3.4-5.4 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
- Total protein: 6.0-8.3 g/dL
Glucose
A CMP includes a glucose test, which testes the level of your blood sugar. If you have high blood sugar levels, then you could have diabetes.
If your blood sugar is lower than normal, you may have issues with hypoglycemia. The normal blood glucose range is 70-99 mg/dL.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and nerve function. If your calcium level is abnormal, it can signal problems with your kidneys or pancreas and even cancer in rare cases. The normal calcium range is 8.6-10.2 mg/dL.
CMP Blood Test Cost
On average, a CMP will cost anywhere between $300 to $1200 without insurance. And even if you don’t have insurance, you can typically get a blood test from laboratory facilities like Precision Labs or your doctor’s office. You can find CMP tests for between $20 and $50 in a lot of cases.
You can also research multiple clinics in your area to compare what they charge for blood tests. Though you’ll find a significant difference in cost without insurance, many facilities offer discounts for people who are paying out of pocket.
CMP Blood Test at Precision Labs
Now that you know how vital a CMP blood test is, it’s time to think about the last time you had bloodwork done.
Make time now to take care of your health, and see where you stand. Precision Lab Testing offers blood testing for physicians’ offices, assisted living centers, home health, and will even come to your home.
So why not reach out today to see how the professionals at Precision labs can help you get your health back on track? Contact us today for a healthier outlook tomorrow!