What it measures
The panel covers glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, BUN, creatinine (with an eGFR estimate), albumin, total protein, ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin. One abnormal value rarely gives a diagnosis, but a pattern guides the next step.
Who should consider it
- Adults who want a general baseline
- People taking medicines that affect the liver or kidneys
- Anyone with high blood pressure or diabetes risk
How to read your result
- Fasting glucose of 70 to 99 mg/dL is typical. 100 to 125 mg/dL suggests prediabetes and 126 mg/dL or higher needs follow-up.
- A slightly high ALT or AST often relates to fatty liver, alcohol, or medicines.
- Creatinine and eGFR estimate kidney filtering. Muscle mass and hydration affect them.
Reference ranges differ between labs. Use the range printed on your own report.
What to do next
A CMP pairs well with a CBC, lipid panel, and A1C for a full baseline.
Where to order Comprehensive metabolic panel
These sellers include an independent physician order. You pay online and visit a partner lab. Availability, price, and lab network vary, so confirm at checkout.
Private MD Labs
Online lab seller- Says 4,500+ Quest and Labcorp locations
- Every order reviewed by a physician. Says you pay $1 to start and the rest after results.
- Secure online portal with plain-English explanations. Says many results arrive overnight.
HealthLabs
Online lab seller- Says 4,500+ labs, including Quest and Labcorp
- Online or by phone. No doctor referral or insurance needed.
- Secure HealthLabs account. Says 1 to 3 business days.
Walk-In Lab
Online lab seller- Lab network not named on its homepage
- Online, no insurance or doctor order needed. Shows a $6 physician fee per order on popular tests.
- Online account. Turnaround not stated on its homepage.
Quest Health
Lab-run- Quest, 2,000+ locations
- Buy online and book a Quest appointment. An independent provider is involved.
- Online as soon as ready, with an email alert. Provider discussion included at no extra cost.
Seller details come from each seller's own site and can change. Confirm price, lab location, and state availability at checkout.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a BMP and a CMP?
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) has 8 markers. The CMP adds liver tests and protein markers for a total of 14.
Do I need to fast for a CMP?
Often yes, for 8 to 12 hours, mainly for an accurate glucose. Water is fine.
Related guides
Complete blood count
Red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
ReadHemoglobin A1C
Your average blood sugar over about three months.
ReadAnnual physical blood work
A solid baseline: CBC, CMP, lipids, A1C, and thyroid.
ReadWe may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This page is education, not medical advice. How we make money.