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Writer's pictureToy Allen

What is a CMP blood test?

If you have ever looked at a laboratory order by your physician or nurse practitioner you may have noticed that there are some labs that are commonly ordered. I will discuss the most common ones such as a CBC, CMP, A1C and Lipid panel. But this blog will discuss the CMP.

 

The CMP is a very detailed diagnostic tool that measures a wide range of biomarkers that focus on metabolism, kidney and liver function, nutritional status and electrolyte status. This test is used for many health concerns and the information gathered from this test can evaluate various body functions and processes.  The metabolism is how your body transforms the food you eat into energy.

 

This test offers a snapshot of the body’s metabolic process and makes it important for both diagnostic and monitoring purposes in various medical specialties. The CMP measures 14 different chemicals in the blood.

 

CMP can be used for clients with kidney or liver concerns- fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain or changes in urine output.  This test also assesses the functioning of these vital organs.

 

People with diabetes or at risk of diabetes will use the CMP test to monitor and manage diabetes. It is useful for monitoring pre diabetes symptoms in patients

 

Electrolyte imbalances or fluid retention issues (measures sodium, potassium, chloride and fluid levels). All of these electrolytes are essential in heart failure, kidney disease and other hormonal disorders.

 

For providers, this test is a good indication for medication management. CMP monitors the side effects of certain medications that can impact liver and kidney function. Most medications require the liver and kidney level monitoring due to the number of drugs taken daily and dosages ordered. This information gained from the CMP test helps the provider make drug dosage changes. Without this information from this test providers are not able to adjust medications.

 

Should the patient fast for this lab? Yes, it is important that the patient fast for at least eight hours. This fasting period is important to ensure the accuracy of the various components of the CMP panel especially for those related to metabolism such as glucose levels.

 

No eating or drinking prior to the test, water is fine. Physical activity can the measurements in the CMP. So, avoid strenuous physical activity before sample collection.

 

The handling and processing of the blood samples is essential to receiving accurate lab readings. All labs must be sent to the lab soon as possible and maintained in a cool environment.


The lab results should be given to the patient in 24 - 48 hours after the lab receives the sample.Angels Concierge Service will draw your labs and send them to the lab for you. Once the lab order has been written and sent to the phlebotomist the lab can be drawn. We handle the specimen and ensure the specimen is ready for analyis. Contact Angels Concierge Service for all your lab tests.

 

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