What is a CMP blood test?
Also known as: comprehensive metabolic panel, CMP, chem-14
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a common blood test that measures 14 substances to give a broad snapshot of your metabolism, kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar. Doctors order it for routine checkups, to monitor chronic conditions, and to check how medications affect your organs. Most results are reported against a normal reference range printed on your report.
What each CMP result means
The CMP groups into five areas. Tap any linked marker for a full explanation of high and low results.
Blood sugar
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| GlucoseBlood sugar level at the time of the draw. | Blood sugar level at the time of the draw. | 70–99 mg/dL (fasting) |
Kidney function
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| BUN (blood urea nitrogen)A waste product filtered by the kidneys. | A waste product filtered by the kidneys. | 7–20 mg/dL |
| CreatinineA muscle waste product used to gauge kidney filtering. | A muscle waste product used to gauge kidney filtering. | 0.6–1.3 mg/dL |
| eGFREstimated kidney filtration rate. | Estimated kidney filtration rate. | ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m² |
Electrolytes & fluid balance
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| SodiumKey electrolyte for fluid balance and nerves. | Key electrolyte for fluid balance and nerves. | 135–145 mmol/L |
| PotassiumElectrolyte critical for heart and muscle function. | Electrolyte critical for heart and muscle function. | 3.5–5.0 mmol/L |
| ChlorideElectrolyte for fluid and pH balance. | Electrolyte for fluid and pH balance. | 96–106 mmol/L |
| CO2 (bicarbonate)Buffer that reflects acid-base balance. | Buffer that reflects acid-base balance. | 23–29 mmol/L |
Liver function
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| ALTLiver enzyme that rises with liver stress. | Liver enzyme that rises with liver stress. | 7–56 U/L |
| ASTLiver/muscle enzyme, interpreted with ALT. | Liver/muscle enzyme, interpreted with ALT. | 8–48 U/L |
| ALP (alkaline phosphatase)Enzyme from liver and bone. | Enzyme from liver and bone. | 40–129 U/L |
| Bilirubin (total)Waste from red-cell breakdown processed by the liver. | Waste from red-cell breakdown processed by the liver. | 0.1–1.2 mg/dL |
Proteins
| Test | What it measures | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Total proteinSum of albumin and globulin in the blood. | Sum of albumin and globulin in the blood. | 6.0–8.3 g/dL |
| AlbuminMain blood protein made by the liver. | Main blood protein made by the liver. | 3.5–5.0 g/dL |
| CalciumMineral vital for bones, nerves and muscles. | Mineral vital for bones, nerves and muscles. | 8.5–10.2 mg/dL |
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Use the ranges printed on your own report as the definitive comparison.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a CMP blood test used for?
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a routine screening test that checks 14 substances in your blood to assess blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, electrolyte balance, and protein levels. Doctors order it for general health checkups, to monitor chronic conditions, and to check medication effects.
Do I need to fast for a CMP?
Often yes. Because the CMP includes glucose, you're usually asked to fast for 8–12 hours beforehand (water is fine) so the blood sugar result is accurate. Follow the specific instructions your provider or lab gives you.
What is the difference between a CMP and a BMP?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) includes 8 tests focused on blood sugar, kidney function, and electrolytes. A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) adds liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), bilirubin, and proteins (albumin, total protein), for 14 tests total.
Explore CMP markers in detail
Medically reviewed by Antonieta Rueda, MD and Ayham Shneker, MD · Last reviewed July 6, 2026
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your lab results.