CMP/BMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel/Basic Metabolic Panel)

Two very common tests that are often done at a doctors check up are a CMP/BMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel/Basic Metabolic Panel). These two tests are similar but the comprehensive test will check for six extra items within your blood. I go into detail on what each test does in the following paragraphs.

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) measures 14 different substances in your blood. It will give you vital information about the chemical balance and metabolism of your body.
- What is this test used for?
  - They use this test to check a few functions of the body including:
    - Liver and kidney health
    - Blood sugar levels
    - Blood protein levels
    - Acid and base balance
    - Fluid and electrolyte balance
    - Metabolism
    - It can also be used to check the side effects of medicines
- Why would you need a CMP?
  - Typically it’s done as part of a standard checkup. This test is also done if there is suspected liver or kidney disease.
- What do the test results mean?
  - If any one or sometimes combination of the CMP results were abnormal, it could indicate several different conditions. They could include liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes. More tests are usually required to determine the specific condition you could have.
- A CMP will test the following:
  - Glucose – a type of sugar and the main source of energy for your body.
  - Calcium – one of the most important minerals for your body. Helps your nerves, muscles, and heart function properly.
  - Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride – All of these are electrolytes which are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and balances the acids and bases in your body.
  - Albumin – protein made in the liver.
  - Total Protein – measures the total amount of protein in your blood.
  - ALP (alkaline phosphate), ALT (alanine transaminase), and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) – These are enzymes made by the liver
  - Bilirubin – waste product made by the liver
  - BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine – waste products removed from your blood by your kidneys.

BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is similar to the CMP but this test measures 8 different substances in your blood. It will give you vital information about the chemical balance and metabolism of your body.

What is this test used for?
- They use this test to check a few functions of the body including:
  - Kidney Function
  - Blood sugar levels
  - Metabolism
  - Fluid and electrolyte balance
  - Acid and base balance
Why would you need a BMP?
- Typically it’s done as part of a standard checkup. They could also perform this test in the emergency room or if you’re being monitored for some chronic conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease.
What do the test results mean?
- If any one or sometimes combination of the BMP results were abnormal, it could indicate several different conditions. Some of them being kidney disease, breathing issues, and diabetes related issues. More tests are usually required to determine the specific condition you could have.
A BMP will test the following:
Glucose – a type of sugar and the main source of energy for your body.
Calcium – one of the most important minerals for your body. Helps your nerves, muscles, and heart function properly.
Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride – All of these are electrolytes which are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and balances the acids and bases in your body.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine – waste products removed from your blood by your kidneys.

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