If your physician is trying to determine your exact physical problems, you may have a CMP blood test scheduled. In addition, CMP blood test work gives your doctor a baseline of your overall health. Even minor changes in CMP results may result in more specialized testing. If you have a chronic or acute disease, like diabetes or hypertension, you may have a routine CMP blood test.
CMP refers to Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and is a battery of tests that help your physician to understand any diseases you may have. It gives your doctor very detailed information regarding your kidneys, liver, your electrolyte levels and the acid or base balance of your body. It also gives details about your blood glucose and blood protein levels. It involves fourteen standard tests that check the chemical component levels within your body.
The CMP blood test is performed routinely, but usually after a ten to twelve hour fast, where you will only take in water. Once they draw your blood for the test, it can be used to screen and evaluate organ functions. If your physician needs more than two components of the CMP tests, the entire battery of tests can be ordered.
The first section of the CMP blood test determines your blood glucose levels. This is important for indicating a need for action if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. Higher levels in this test indicate hyperthyroidism or diabetes, while lower levels are indicative of insulinoma or hypopituitarism.
A blood calcium test is also performed as a part of the CMP blood test. This will show your precise levels of calcium. It will indicate whether you have a calcium deficiency. Levels higher than normal may cause death of organ cells, changes in your cardiac rhythm or some neuromuscular problems. Lower levels may affect your blood’s ability to clot, or cause neural disorders.
The serum protein portion of the CMP blood test determines the level of proteins in your body, as well as the total proteins in your blood serum. If your levels are high, this may be an indication of some blood diseases. If your levels are low, this could signal heart disease or liver disease.
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