A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures various substances in your blood, providing valuable information about your overall health. It can detect a wide range of conditions, including:
Liver Function
- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, often caused by chronic hepatitis or alcohol abuse.
- Liver cancer: Malignant tumors in the liver.
Kidney Function
- Kidney disease: Damage to the kidneys, which can lead to a buildup of waste products in the blood.
- Kidney failure: Complete loss of kidney function.
Blood Sugar
- Diabetes: A condition in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly.
- Prediabetes: A condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Electrolytes
- Dehydration: A lack of fluids in the body.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Imbalances in the levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can affect muscle function and nerve function.
Protein Levels
- Malnutrition: A lack of essential nutrients, such as protein.
- Liver disease: Damage to the liver can affect the production of proteins.
Other Conditions
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
- Heart disease: CMP can help identify risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
- Thyroid disease: CMP can help detect abnormalities in thyroid function.
It's important to note that a CMP alone cannot diagnose any specific disease. It is simply a screening tool that can help identify potential problems. If your CMP results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment.
