Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Plasma

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL PLASMA

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Plasma test contains 1 test with 19 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Plasma test is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that provides a thorough assessment of an individual's metabolic health. It evaluates various markers within the blood plasma to gain insights into the function of vital organs and systems. This test is routinely used to screen for a range of health conditions and provide a holistic picture of a patient's overall health.

Also Known As: Plasma CMP Test, Plasma Chem Test, Plasma Chem-14 Test, Plasma Chem-12 Test, Plasma Chem-21 Test, Plasma Chemistry Panel Test, Plasma Chem Panel Test, Plasma Chem Screen, Plasma Chemistry Screen, Plasma SMA 12, Plasma SMA 20, Plasma SMA 21, Plasma SMAC, Chem Plasma test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Plasma

Test Preparation: 9-12 hours fasting is preferred.

When is Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test ordered?

A CMP is frequently requested as part of a lab test for a medical evaluation or yearly physical. A CMP test consists of many different tests that give healthcare providers a range of information about your health, including liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar levels. To confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis, abnormal test results are frequently followed up with other tests that provide a more in depth or targeted analysis of key areas that need investigating.

What does a Plasma Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Blood test check for?

The complete metabolic panel is a set of 20 tests that provides critical information to a healthcare professional about a person's current metabolic status, check for liver or kidney disease, electrolyte and acid/base balance, and blood glucose and blood protein levels. Abnormal results, particularly when they are combined, can suggest a problem that needs to be addressed.

The following tests are included in the CMP:

  • Albumin: this is a measure of Albumin levels in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that is responsible for many vital roles including transporting nutrients throughout the body and preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels.
  • Albumin/Globulin Ratio: this is a ratio between your total Albumin and Globulin
  • Alkaline Phosphatase: this is a measure of Alkaline phosphatase or ALP in your blood. Alkaline phosphatase is a protein found in all body tissues, however the ALP found in blood comes from the liver and bones. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage, gallbladder disease, or bone disorder.
  • Alt: this is a measure of Alanine transaminase or ALT in your blood. Alanine Aminotransferase is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver with small amounts in the heart and muscles. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage.
  • AST: this is a measure of Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST. Aspartate Aminotransferase is an enzyme found mostly in the heart and liver, with smaller amounts in the kidney and muscles. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage.
  • Bilirubin, Total: this is a measure of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is an orange-yellowish waste product produced from the breakdown of heme which is a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. The liver is responsible for removal of bilirubin from the body.
  • Bun/Creatinine Ratio: this is a ratio between your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and Creatinine result.
  • Calcium: is used for blood clot formation and the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth.
  • Carbon Dioxide: this is a measure of carbon dioxide in your blood. Carbon dioxide is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as chloride, potassium, and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels.
  • Chloride: this is a measure of Chloride in your blood. Chloride is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels.
  • Creatinine: this is a measure of Creatinine levels in your blood. Creatinine is created from the breakdown of creatine in your muscles and is removed from your body by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels are often associated with kidney damage.
  • Egfr African American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells.
  • Egfr Non-Afr. American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells.
  • Globulin: this is a measure of all blood proteins in your blood that are not albumin.
  • Glucose: this is a measure of glucose in your blood. Glucose is created from the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion and is the body’s primary source of energy.
  • Potassium: this is a measure of Potassium in your blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in cell metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and transport of nutrients into cells and removal of wastes products out of cells.
  • Protein, Total: this is a measure of total protein levels in your blood.
    Sodium: this is a measure of Sodium in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function.
  • Urea Nitrogen (Bun): this is a measure of Urea Nitrogen in your blood, also known as Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). Urea is a waste product created in the liver when proteins are broken down into amino acids. Elevated levels are often associated with kidney damage.

Lab tests often ordered with a Plasma Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test:

Depending on the results of a CMP or the suspected conditions, other tests may be ordered for further clarification or investigation:

  1. Lipid Panel:

    • Purpose: Measures levels of various types of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if the CMP suggests diabetes or if the patient has a family history of heart disease.

  2. Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs):

    • Purpose: Include measurements of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T3, and Free T4.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To investigate symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or when lipid levels from the CMP are abnormal, indicating possible thyroid dysfunction.

  3. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c):

    • Purpose: Provides an average of blood glucose levels over the past three months.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To diagnose or monitor diabetes, especially if the CMP shows high glucose levels.

  4. Uric Acid:

    • Purpose: Measures the level of uric acid in the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To help diagnose gout or to further assess kidney function if related abnormalities are found in the CMP.

  5. Magnesium:

    • Purpose: An important electrolyte not included in the standard CMP.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To check for magnesium deficiency or excess when symptoms such as muscle cramps or cardiac arrhythmias are present, or if other electrolytes are out of balance.

  6. Phosphate:

    • Purpose: Important for bone health and is regulated by the kidneys.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate further when kidney function is abnormal or if there are concerns related to bone metabolism.

  7. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

    • Purpose: Evaluates the levels and health of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To provide more information on signs of infection, anemia, or other blood-related issues indicated by the CMP.

  8. Coagulation Panel:

    • Purpose: Measures the clotting ability of the blood.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess blood clotting function if liver tests are abnormal, due to the liver’s role in producing clotting factors.

  9. Serum Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity, Ferritin, and Transferrin:

    • Purpose: Assess body iron stores and transport.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To identify or rule out disorders of iron metabolism when signs of anemia or liver disease are present on the CMP.

  10. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

    • Purpose: Non-specific markers of inflammation.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To detect inflammation or infection that might be suggested by abnormalities in the CMP.

  11. Hepatitis Panel:

    • Purpose: Screening for viral infections that affect the liver and immune system.
    • Why Is It Ordered: If liver dysfunction is indicated on the CMP, or if the patient has risk factors for these infections, testing is essential for appropriate management.

Conditions where a Plasma Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test is recommended:

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test is essential for:

  • Diabetes: By measuring blood glucose levels, the test helps diagnose and monitor diabetes.

  • Liver and Kidney Disorders: The CMP can identify liver and kidney dysfunction, including conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and kidney disease.

  • Electrolyte Imbalances: The test detects abnormal electrolyte levels that could lead to conditions like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heart rhythm disturbances.

How does my health care provider use a Plasma Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test?

The comprehensive metabolic panel is a broad screening tool for assessing organ function and detecting diseases like diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. The CMP test may also be requested to monitor known disorders such as hypertension and to check for any renal or liver-related side effects in persons taking specific drugs. If a health practitioner wants to follow two or more separate CMP components, the full CMP might be ordered because it contains more information.

What do my Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test results mean?

The results of the tests included in the CMP are usually analyzed together to look for patterns. A single abnormal test result may indicate something different than a series of abnormal test findings. A high result on one of the liver enzyme tests, for example, is not the same as a high result on several liver enzyme tests.

Several sets of CMPs, frequently performed on various days, may be examined to gain insights into the underlying disease and response to treatment, especially in hospitalized patients.

Out-of-range findings for any of the CMP tests can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including kidney failure, breathing issues, and diabetes-related complications, to name a few. If any of the results are abnormal, one or more follow-up tests are usually ordered to help determine the reason and/or establish a diagnosis.

Most Common Questions About the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test:

Purpose and Applications

What is the primary objective of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test?

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test is designed to provide a broad overview of the body's chemical balance and metabolism. It evaluates the function of the liver, kidneys, and other organs, and can indicate conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Why might a doctor order the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test?

Doctors typically order this panel as part of routine health examinations to monitor conditions such as hypertension, or for patients on specific medications that can impact the kidneys or liver. It can also be utilized when a patient presents symptoms that suggest a metabolic or organ dysfunction, like fatigue, unexpected weight loss, abdominal pain, or nausea.

Clinical Significance

What conditions or diseases can the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test help diagnose?

The test can aid in diagnosing conditions like liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), kidney diseases (nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis), respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

What is the significance of abnormal results in the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test?

Abnormal results can indicate a range of issues depending on the specific component of the panel. For instance, increased levels of liver enzymes may suggest liver damage, while altered electrolyte levels might hint at kidney problems, dehydration, or other disorders.

Interpretation

How are results of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test typically presented?

Results are generally presented in a tabular form, detailing the levels of various components like glucose, calcium, proteins, liver enzymes, and electrolytes. Each component's result is compared against a reference range, which represents the normal range for healthy individuals.

How do healthcare providers interpret the results of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test?

Providers compare the measured levels against the reference ranges. Values outside these ranges are considered abnormal and could indicate potential issues. However, interpretation depends on the entire clinical picture, including the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other test results.

Clinical Limitations

How does the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test compare with other metabolic tests?

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is more extensive than the Basic Metabolic Panel, as it includes additional tests related to liver function. It provides a wider overview of a patient's metabolic and organ health compared to more specific or targeted tests.

What can impact the accuracy of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test results?

Various factors can influence results, including but not limited to dehydration, medications (e.g., antiseizure drugs, certain antibiotics), recent meal consumption, and certain illnesses or conditions not related to metabolic or organ function.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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