Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT
- $30.75
- $20.95
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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 WO Alt
Albumin
Albumin/Globulin Ratio
Alkaline Phosphatase
AST
Bilirubin, Total
Bun/Creatinine Ratio
Calcium
Carbon Dioxide
Chloride
Creatinine
Egfr African American
Egfr Non-Afr. American
Globulin
Glucose
Potassium
Protein, Total
Sodium
Urea Nitrogen (Bun)
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test contains 1 test with 18 biomarkers .
Brief Description: The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a set of blood tests that provides information about the body's chemical balance, levels of electrolytes, and how well the kidneys and liver are functioning. When referenced as "without ALT," it indicates that Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a liver enzyme, is excluded from the panel.
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: Fasting preferred but not required.
When and Why a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT Test May Be Ordered
A CMP without ALT is often ordered as part of:
- Routine Health Exams: To assess the overall health of an individual.
- Hospital Admissions: To get a comprehensive understanding of a patient's health.
- Monitoring: For patients with known conditions, especially if they are on medications that can affect kidneys or electrolyte balance.
- Symptoms Evaluation: In cases where symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or abdominal pain are present, to identify a potential metabolic cause.
What the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT Test Checks For
The CMP generally includes the following tests:
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Electrolytes
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Bicarbonate (or total carbon dioxide)
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Kidney Tests
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
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Blood Sugar
- Glucose
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Proteins
- Albumin
- Total protein
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Liver Tests
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Bilirubin
(Keep in mind ALT, which typically is part of a CMP, is excluded in this case.)
Other Lab Tests Ordered Alongside Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT Test
Depending on the results of a CMP or the suspected conditions, other tests may be ordered for further clarification or investigation:
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- 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.
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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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
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- 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 or Diseases that Require a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT Test
The CMP without ALT can be ordered for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to:
- Kidney Disease: Elevated BUN and creatinine can indicate kidney dysfunction.
- Liver Disease: Elevations in AST or bilirubin can suggest liver damage or disease.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of sodium, potassium, or chloride can indicate conditions like dehydration, heart disease, or metabolic acidosis.
- Endocrine Disorders: Abnormal glucose levels can suggest diabetes or hypoglycemia.
Usage of Results from Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT Test by Health Care Providers
Healthcare providers interpret the results of the CMP in the context of the patient's medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and other diagnostic tests. Abnormal results can indicate:
- Issues with kidney or liver function.
- Imbalances in the body's electrolytes, which can affect muscular and neural function.
- Blood sugar levels that are too high or too low.
Based on the results, healthcare providers can diagnose conditions, decide on treatment plans, adjust medications, or order further testing to pinpoint a diagnosis.
Most Common Questions About the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test:
Purpose and Clinical Indications
Why is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test ordered?
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test is typically ordered to get a broad overview of the body's chemical balance and metabolism. It can help check the function of the kidneys, liver (excluding ALT), and other organs, and can show if certain drug levels are too high or too low.
Which conditions or diseases can the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test help diagnose?
The test can help diagnose conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, breathing problems, and complications related to hypertension. It can also help monitor conditions like kidney disease progression or the side effects of certain medications.
Interpretation of Results
What do abnormal results in the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test indicate?
Abnormal results can indicate a variety of conditions depending on the specific component that's abnormal. For instance, high blood sugar levels might suggest diabetes, high creatinine levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, and abnormal calcium levels can point to a parathyroid disease or malignancy.
Why is ALT specifically excluded in this version of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?
The ALT (alanine aminotransferase) test is a specific indicator of liver health. While it is often included in standard comprehensive metabolic panels, there are occasions when a physician might not deem it necessary, possibly due to the cost, patient condition, or when other liver function tests provide sufficient information.
Implications and Medical Management
If there are abnormal results in the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test, what might be the next steps?
Depending on the specific abnormal results, the physician may recommend further testing to pinpoint the diagnosis. For example, if blood sugar levels are high, an HbA1c test might be ordered to check for diabetes. If kidney-related results are abnormal, further kidney function tests or imaging might be recommended.
Do abnormal results always indicate a serious condition?
Not necessarily. While some abnormal results can indicate serious conditions, others might be due to temporary factors like dehydration, certain medications, or even the time of day the test was taken. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to interpret the results in the context of the individual's overall health and other factors.
Post-Test Management
Is there any need for regular monitoring or follow-up after the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test?
If the test results are within the normal range and the patient doesn't have any ongoing health issues that require monitoring, there might not be a need for regular follow-ups. However, if there are abnormal results or if the patient has certain conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, regular monitoring and follow-ups will be essential.
Can lifestyle changes impact the results of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without ALT test on a subsequent retest?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and avoiding excessive alcohol or certain medications can positively influence many of the factors tested in the comprehensive metabolic panel.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.