Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Content Contributor: Allyson Van Horn, MPH
Last Reviewed:
July 26, 2024
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test. It tests up to 14 values. It is used to see how organs like your kidneys and liver are working.
The range of values that is normal for most people is often given with your lab test results.
Test done | What is it? | Common causes of an abnormal value |
| Glucose | A simple sugar that is used as energy for the body. | A low value (hypoglycemia) can be caused by adrenal insufficiency, liver disease, hypothyroidism, and insulin overdose. A high value (hyperglycemia) can be caused by acute stress, chronic kidney failure, Cushing Syndrome, hyperthyroidism, pancreatic cancer, and excessive food intake. |
| Calcium | A mineral that helps muscles, nerves, and heart to be able to work, blood clotting, and bone health. | A low value (hypocalcemia) can be caused by a low protein level, hypoparathyroidism, low dietary calcium, vitamin D or magnesium, pancreatitis, and renal failure. A high value (hyperglycemia) can be caused by hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, kidney transplant, some cancers, metastasis to the bone, and HIV/AIDS. |
| Albumin | A protein made by the liver. It transports molecules in the blood and keeps fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels. | A low value (hypoalbuminemia) can be caused by acute liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, infection, inflammation, malnutrition, malabsorption, cancer, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. A high value (hyperalbuminemia) can be caused by dehydration. |
| Total Protein | A measure of all proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of all cells. | A low value (hypoproteinemia) can be caused by malfunction of the kidneys or liver, malnutrition, and malabsorption. A high value (hyperproteinemia) can be caused by chronic inflammation, infections, and bone marrow disorders. |
| Sodium | An electrolyte that regulates the amount of fluid in the body and helps nerves and muscles work. | A low value (hyponatremia) can be caused by diarrhea, kidney disease, diuretics, drinking too much water, heart failure, and overproduction of anti-diuretic hormone. A high value (hypernatremia) can be caused by dehydration, Cushing syndrome, and diabetes insipidus. |
| Potassium | An electrolyte that regulates the amount of fluid in the body, promotes cell metabolism and helps muscles work. | A low value (hypokalemia) can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, potassium wasting diuretics, acetaminophen overdose, and certain medications. A high value (hyperkalemia) can be caused by kidney failure, dehydration, taking in too much potassium, infection, diabetes, and certain medications. |
Total CO2/ Bicarbonate | An ion that helps keep an acid-base balance, also known as pH. | A low value can be caused by diarrhea, kidney disease, aspirin overdose, or Addison’s disease. A high level can be caused by vomiting, lung disease, and Cushing syndrome. |
| Chloride | An electrolyte that regulates the amount of fluid in the body and helps keep an acid-base balance. | A low value (hypochloremia) can be caused by congestive heart failure, chronic lung diseases, diarrhea, and kidney disease. A high value (hyperchloremia) can be caused by dehydration and kidney disease. |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen/BUN | A waste product made in the liver from breaking down and metabolizing protein. | A low value is not uncommon but can be caused by liver disease, malnutrition, and over hydration. A high value can be caused by kidney disease or a condition causing decreased blood flow to the kidneys such as congestive heart failure, shock, stress, recent heart attack, burns, and dehydration. |
| Creatinine | A waste product made by muscles that is excreted by the kidneys. | A low level is not uncommon but can be caused by conditions that lead to decreased muscle mass. A high level can be caused by conditions that affect kidney function. |
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) | An enzyme released into the bloodstream when the liver is harmed. | A low level is normal. A high value can be caused by injury to the liver including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and tumor in the liver. |
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) | An enzyme released into the bloodstream when the liver is harmed. | A low level is normal. A high value can be caused by injury to the liver including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and tumor in the liver. |
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) | An enzyme found in tissues like the liver, bones, kidneys, and intestines. | A low level of ALP can be caused by zinc deficiency, malnutrition, and temporarily after a blood transfusion or heart bypass surgery. A high value can be caused by liver disease, bone disease, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, congestive heart failure, ulcerative colitis, and bacterial infections. |
| Bilirubin | A pigment that is a waste product of the breaking down of red blood cells. The buildup causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. | A low level is normal. A high value can be caused by anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, reaction to a medication, cancer, and gallstones. |
You may also have your magnesium level checked as this can be affected by cancer treatment. You may be given supplements if your level is low.
These lab results can be affected by medications, other illnesses, and your cancer. Your health care team will help interpret the results of this test.