Lab test

What does a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test for?

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a routine blood test that measures 14 substances, including glucose, calcium, electrolytes, kidney markers, proteins and the liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP. It is used in checkups and to look into symptoms. ARUP Laboratories reports CMP ranges "by report", because they vary with the instrument used.

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026
Also called Comprehensive metabolic panel, Chem 14, Metabolic panel
No diagnosis, no treatment advice

Four graduated sample tubes standing in a rack under cool, clinical lab lighting.

What does the CMP test measure?

A CMP measures 14 substances: glucose, calcium, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride), kidney markers (BUN and creatinine), proteins (albumin and total protein), bilirubin, and the liver enzymes ALP, ALT and AST. MedlinePlus

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) includes 8 of the 14 tests and leaves out the proteins, bilirubin and liver enzymes. MedlinePlus

Why is the CMP test ordered?

As part of a routine checkup, to check liver and kidney health, blood glucose, proteins and fluid and electrolyte balance. MedlinePlus
To look into symptoms such as fatigue, or to monitor treatment and its side effects. MedlinePlus

What are typical CMP ranges?

There is no single published CMP range: ARUP Laboratories reports its intervals "by report", because they vary with the instrument. These sources publish decision points for parts of the panel. ARUP Laboratories

Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.

Fasting glucose: NIDDK, citing the American Diabetes Association, lists 99 mg/dL or below as normal and 100 to 125 mg/dL as prediabetes. NIDDK

ALT: the ACG guideline defines a healthy ALT as 29 to 33 IU/L for men and 19 to 25 IU/L for women. ACG Clinical Guideline

eGFR, calculated from creatinine: MedlinePlus says 90 to 100 generally means no kidney disease and below 60 may mean kidney disease. MedlinePlus

What can affect CMP results?

You may need to fast for several hours before the test. MedlinePlus
Medicines and other factors can affect results, which your provider considers when comparing all 14. MedlinePlus

When should you talk to a clinician about a CMP result?

One or more abnormal results may be a sign of a health condition, but more tests are usually needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis; ask your provider to explain your results. MedlinePlus

DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.

Where can you get a CMP test?

A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.

Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): questions, answered

What is included in a CMP?

MedlinePlus lists 14 measurements: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, BUN, creatinine, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and the liver enzymes ALP, ALT and AST. A basic metabolic panel covers 8 of these, without the proteins, bilirubin and liver enzymes.

What are normal CMP ranges?

Each laboratory prints its own. ARUP Laboratories publishes its CMP intervals "by report" because they vary with the analyzer. Some parts have published decision points, such as NIDDK’s fasting glucose categories and the ACG guideline’s healthy ALT range, which this page and the linked test pages explain.

Do I need to fast before a CMP?

Often. MedlinePlus says you may need to fast for several hours, mainly because glucose is part of the panel. Follow the instructions from whoever orders it. MedlinePlus adds that medicines and other factors can affect results, so tell the person ordering it what you take, and ask which other tests are being drawn at the same visit.

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.