One draw. Sixteen reported values across kidney, liver, electrolyte, glucose and protein status. The CMP (also listed as Complete Metabolic Panel, order code CMP) extends the Basic Metabolic Panel with hepatic and protein markers. Use it for routine wellness testing and as a broad chemistry baseline.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test name | Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) |
| Order code | CMP |
| Category | Chemistry |
| Specimen | Blood, SST (serum separator tube) |
| Ordered by | Healthcare providers; nursing homes |
What it detects
The CMP reports the following analytes, as listed on the TLS requisition form.
| Group | Analytes |
|---|---|
| Kidney function | Creatinine, BUN, BUN/Creatinine Ratio |
| Electrolytes and acid-base | Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Calcium |
| Glucose | Glucose |
| Liver function | ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Bilirubin |
| Protein status | Albumin, Total Protein, A/G Ratio |
CMP vs. BMP. The BMP covers calcium, chloride, creatinine, carbon dioxide, glucose, potassium, sodium, BUN and BUN/creatinine ratio. The CMP includes all nine and adds seven: albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total protein and A/G ratio.
When to order it
- Routine wellness testing. The CMP is part of the TLS blood panel offering for patients who need a comprehensive panel rather than a single test.
- Renal assessment. Creatinine, BUN and the BUN/creatinine ratio are reported together with electrolytes and calcium.
- Hepatic screening alongside chemistry. ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and albumin come on the same specimen as glucose and electrolytes.
- Long-term care. Nursing homes can order the CMP, and TLS supplies a CMP collection guide for facility staff.
If you need a narrower question answered, TLS also offers the BMP, Hepatic Panel, Renal Panel and Electrolyte Panel. See the full Testing Panel menu.
Specimen collection
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tube | SST (serum separator tube) |
| Order of draw | 3rd (after blue/coag, after blood culture) |
| Inversions | 5 to 10 times |
| Stability, room temperature | 24 hours |
| Stability, refrigerated | 3 days |
| Transport | Refrigerated |
- Centrifugation. A properly spun SST shows pale yellow serum on top, a gel barrier below it and packed red cells at the bottom. Do not disturb the red cell layer when aliquoting.
- Hemolysis. Avoid it. It falsely raises potassium.
- Prompt delivery. The 3-day refrigerated limit is driven by calcium and glucose, so get the sample to the lab promptly.
- Fasting. The panel is often ordered fasting (8 to 12 hours). Check the order. Water and routine medications are usually acceptable. If fasting is required, a morning draw is best.
- Identification. Verify two identifiers before every draw: full name and date of birth.
Draw volume is not specified in the materials available for this page. Call the lab before collection if you need it.
Understanding the report
Chemistry results are reported by analyte with the value, units, a flag for out-of-range results and the reference range. In TLS sample chemistry reports, out-of-range values are flagged H or L and set apart from in-range values. For example, a sample shows glucose 164 H mg/dL against a range of 70-99, and creatinine 1.69 H mg/dL against 0.80-1.40.
Calculated values appear in the same format. Samples show BUN/creatinine ratio, globulin and A/G ratio. They also show eGFR (2021 CKD-EPI). Reference ranges are printed on each report, so interpret results against the ranges on the report you receive.
On the sample report, the NKF-ASN Taskforce recommendation to confirm eGFR with Cystatin C in adults at risk for CKD is noted. The listed option is eGFR with Cystatin C-Creatinine using the 2021 CKD-EPI eGFR_creat-cystat equation (order code 3057). Contact your account executive for details.
Why order it from Total Lab Solutions
- A guide for every panel. The CMP is one of the panels in the TLS Collection Guides Library. Each is a one-page sheet covering patient prep, step-by-step technique, common mistakes and the lab phone line. TLS provides the entire library to partner facilities at no cost, printed and laminated.
- A full chemistry menu on one requisition. CMP, BMP, Hepatic, Renal, Electrolyte, Lipid, Hepatitis and Thyroid panels sit on one form. You can step up or down in scope without changing workflow.
- Clear reporting. Results come with units, flags and reference ranges, with calculated ratios shown alongside measured analytes.
- Direct line to the lab. Call 248.800.6626 or fax 248.800.6656.
Frequently asked questions
What analytes are included in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and how do they differ from a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)?
The CMP includes albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, calcium, chloride, creatinine, carbon dioxide, glucose, potassium, sodium, total bilirubin, total protein, BUN, A/G ratio and BUN/creatinine ratio. The BMP covers calcium, chloride, creatinine, carbon dioxide, glucose, potassium, sodium, BUN and BUN/creatinine ratio. The CMP adds albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total protein and A/G ratio.
Does the CMP require fasting, and how long should patients fast before specimen collection?
It is often ordered fasting, for 8 to 12 hours. Check the order, because requirements can vary. Water and routine medications are usually acceptable. If fasting is required, a morning draw is best.
What specimen types, collection tubes, and handling requirements apply to CMP testing?
The specimen is blood collected in an SST, drawn 3rd in the order of draw and inverted 5 to 10 times. Stability is 24 hours at room temperature and 3 days refrigerated. Transport the specimen refrigerated, avoid hemolysis and verify two patient identifiers before drawing.
What is the typical turnaround time for CMP results, and do you offer STAT or same-day reporting for practices?
A CMP-specific turnaround time and STAT or same-day options are not documented in the materials used for this page. Call 248.800.6626 to confirm timing for your practice or facility.
Which CPT code applies to the CMP, and what diagnoses commonly support medical necessity for insurance billing?
CPT codes and diagnosis guidance are not listed in the materials used for this page. Contact TLS at 248.800.6626 for billing information.
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