The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Test

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a set of 14 blood tests that give your doctor valuable information about the overall health of your body and it's metabolism. In addition to your determining the health of your liver and kidneys, the CMP also checks the status of your blood sugar and protein levels, and your body's electrolyte and fluid balance.

Also referred to as a metabolic panel or chemistry panel, a CMP is typically done as part of your yearly checkup. Your doctor may also use it to help pin down what's causing any illness or disease you may be experiencing. They are especially useful in helping to diagnose chronic diseases, such as hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, and hypertension.

The metabolic panel includes the following 14 tests:

• Glucose
• Calcium
• Proteins: Albumin and total blood protein
• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and chloride
• Kidney tests: BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine
• Liver tests: ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and bilirubin

A complete cholesterol test also called a lipid panel or lipid profile is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).

High cholesterol levels usually don't cause any signs or symptoms, so a cholesterol test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels often are a significant risk factor for heart disease.

A complete cholesterol test is done to determine whether your cholesterol is high and estimate your risk of developing heart disease. A complete cholesterol test, referred to as a lipid panel or lipid profile, includes the calculation of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood:

• Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood's cholesterol content.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels are associated with several factors, including being overweight, eating too many sweets or drinking too much alcohol, smoking, being sedentary, or having diabetes with elevated blood sugar levels.