After The Test & Treatment Options
After the Test
Once your specimen is submitted, results are typically processed and available within a few business days. However, processing times may vary. When ready, your results will be delivered in a clear, easy-to-understand report. If any results suggest a potential infection, you’ll receive a call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are also available to answer any questions or discuss your results in detail.
Treatment Options
As part of your purchase, you have the opportunity to consult with an independent physician. If appropriate, they may be able to prescribe treatment based on your test results.
Age: 18+
Must be 18+ to order blood tests.
Collection Method
In person at a location
Test Details & What It Measures
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that checks 14 different substances in your blood to give your healthcare provider a broad picture of your overall health. It helps assess your metabolism, kidney and liver function, blood sugar, protein levels, and electrolyte and fluid balance. This test is often done during routine exams or to monitor ongoing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or liver and kidney disease.
Here’s a breakdown of what the CMP includes, along with typical adult reference ranges (may vary slightly by lab):
- Glucose (70–99 mg/dL fasting): Measures blood sugar levels. High levels can indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
- Calcium (8.5–10.2 mg/dL): Essential for bones, muscles, and nerve function.
- Sodium (135–145 mmol/L): Helps control blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Potassium (3.5–5.1 mmol/L): Important for heart and muscle function.
- Chloride (98–107 mmol/L): Works with sodium and helps maintain fluid and acid-base balance.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂ or Bicarbonate) (23–29 mmol/L): Helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) (7–20 mg/dL): Indicates kidney function and protein metabolism.
- Creatinine (0.6–1.3 mg/dL): Another key marker of kidney health.
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio (10:1–20:1): Evaluates hydration status and kidney function.
- Albumin (3.4–5.4 g/dL): A protein made by the liver; low levels may indicate liver or kidney disease.
- Total Protein (6.0–8.3 g/dL): Includes albumin and globulin; reflects nutritional status and liver function.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (44–147 U/L): An enzyme linked to liver, bone, and bile duct health.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (7–56 U/L): A liver enzyme; elevated levels may signal liver damage.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) (10–40 U/L): Another liver enzyme; high values may indicate liver or heart issues.
- Bilirubin (Total) (0.1–1.2 mg/dL): A waste product from red blood cell breakdown; high levels may signal liver or bile duct problems.
GFR (glomerular filtration rate)
GFR estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood and is one of the most important indicators of kidney health. A normal GFR is typically 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher. Values below 60 may suggest chronic kidney disease (CKD), and lower levels can indicate more advanced stages. GFR is calculated using your creatinine level along with your age, sex. It helps your provider assess kidney function more accurately and decide if further testing is needed.
If any of your results fall outside these ranges, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong, but it does give your provider helpful clues to guide diagnosis or further testing. The CMP is a valuable tool for early detection and ongoing monitoring of many common health conditions.
Citation
Pagana, K. D., & Pagana, T. J. (2021). Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference (15th ed.). Elsevier.
