What Is A CMP Blood Test, And When Should You Take It? 

It can be hard when you don’t feel well, but you aren’t sure what the cause is. Getting the right types of tests done can make all the difference in getting treated for a potential condition and living with symptoms and not knowing the cause or letting a potentially serious issue go undetected. Still, getting tests run is never a fun experience and can be nerve-wracking and time-consuming. That’s when information can help make things more comfortable and easier to deal with.

This post will look at what a CMP blood test is, what it covers, and when you should take one. Most blood tests are ordered by a doctor for a specific reason and are used to prevent potential issues or to check up on the status of different parts of the body.

What is a CMP blood test?

A comprehensive metabolic panel is used to measure several different substances and fluids in the body, all of which affect different functions and chemical balance and the way your body processes and uses energy and your metabolism.

There are 14 specific substances that the metabolic panel test screens for. Each substance is useful in determining the function of vital organs or energy usage. The tested substances include:

• Albumin – a protein that determines liver function

• Alkaline phosphatase – a substance that helps determine liver function, bone density, kidney, and digestive function

• Alanine aminotransferase – A specific enzyme that is used to monitor liver damage. As liver damage increases, the amount of this enzyme in the blood increases.

• Aspartate aminotransferase – An enzyme found in the liver and certain muscles throughout the body. As tissues containing this enzyme become damaged, they release the enzyme into the bloodstream

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – blood urea nitrogen is a key component in determining kidney function

• Calcium – Key component in bone health

• Carbon dioxide – a substance emitted into the body when energy from food is released

• Chloride – is a type of electrolyte that works with other substances to balance the body’s fluid levels

• Creatinine – A waste product produced by the muscles. Creatinine is normally excreted by the kidneys. If there is an issue with the kidneys, this substance will show up in the blood panel

• Glucose – Known as blood sugar, this determines how well your body processes and uses energy from the foods you eat and can signal problems, including diabetes

• Potassium – is an electrolyte and mineral that helps control muscle contraction, waste removal from cells, and nutrient transfer

• Sodium – A type of electrolyte found in the body. High sodium levels can lead to fluid retention and other medical issues

• Total Bilirubin – Bilirubin is a chemical in the body that helps with the breakdown
• Total Protein – A total protein test measures the level of two proteins in the blood; proteins are necessary for muscle and energy production in every cell of the body

When should you get this test?

While a doctor may order a CMP test, it’s a good idea if you notice something like an iron deficiency to get tested to make sure that your organs and vital processes are functioning properly. If you notice an issue such as an iron deficiency, it is possible to correct it with an iron infusion.

Getting a mineral infusion via IV is the best way to restore the nutrients to the body. Iron deficiency, in particular, is difficult to treat with supplements because of how little the body absorbs from pills. This makes an IV infusion the most effective choice.

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