Metabolic Panels: What to Expect During the Test

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By Yhordan Serpentini | January 25, 2023

Metabolic panels are common tests used to measure your body’s chemical balance and overall health. If your doctor has recommended you get a metabolic panel, you might be wondering what to expect. In this post, we will discuss what to expect during the test and why it’s important to get a metabolic panel. We’ll also go over the different components of the panel so you can be informed and prepared for the test.

Metabolic Panels

What Is A Metabolic Panel?

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a simple type of blood test that measures up to 14 different substances within your body’s blood. The test provides valuable information about your body’s chemical balance or imbalance, as well as your metabolism (how fast or slow your body’s process of using energy and food is). 

There is also a second form of metabolic panels called a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), which is a simpler routine blood test that measures eight of the 14 different substances, instead. If your healthcare provider orders a CMP for you, don’t worry as this is a routine blood test designed to help diagnose, screen for or monitor certain health conditions.

What Is Tested During A CMP?

During a CMP, your blood will likely be tested for the following:

  • Glucose
  • Calcium
  • Total Protein
  • Bilirubin
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
  • Creatinine
  • Albumin

Outside of these tests, metabolic panels will also measure your electrolytes–which are electrically charged minerals in your blood that control nerve and muscle function and maintain your blood’s pH balance, as well as your water balance. These electrolytes are:

  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Bicarbonate
  • Chloride

The last three substances that are measured in metabolic panels are your liver enzymes. These three substances are:

  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
  • Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Why Are CMPs Conducted?

Metabolic panels are conducted when healthcare providers want to get a broad assessment of your overall physical health. The 14 individual substances, previously mentioned, provide valuable information about your body and its health, including several body functions and processes like your liver and kidney health, your blood sugar levels, your blood pH balance, your fluid and electrolyte balance, etc.

Additionally, CMPs can also be used to provide your healthcare provider with information regarding certain illnesses, such as concern or suspicion, diagnosis, motorization, or screening. If you are experiencing symptoms for certain illnesses that can be diagnosed through a CMP test–such as kidney, liver, or metabolism issues–your healthcare provider may order one out of suspicion for potential early diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, if you are already diagnosed with a certain illness, a CMP may be ordered for screening or monitoring purposes.

How To Prepare For A CMP

If you’re preparing for a metabolic panel test, it’s important to understand what to expect during the process. Depending on the specific test ordered by your doctor, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours prior to having the test. Also, you may be asked to drink a special solution (usually glucose or protein) prior to the test to measure your body’s response to the substance.

Need a fast, simple, and reliable CMP test? Book your Comprehensive Metabolic Panel appointment and get your sample collected for testing; track your reports online, and get notified when your reports are done, typically in under 2 hours. Visit our Lab Tests page for more information!

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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