ByoMapByoMap
Sign inUpload results

Understanding Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Normal vs Optimal Ranges

Also known as: CMP, Metabolic Panel, Chemistry Panel, Chem-14, SMAC

Panel Overview

?What is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a group of 14 blood tests that assess kidney function, liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance. It provides a broad overview of your body's chemical balance and metabolism.

What Does It Measure?

  • Glucose — blood sugar
  • Calcium — bone health and nerve function
  • Sodium — electrolyte balance
  • Potassium — heart and muscle function
  • Bicarbonate (CO2) — acid-base balance
  • Chloride — electrolyte balance
  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) — kidney function
  • Creatinine — kidney function and muscle metabolism
  • Albumin — liver and nutritional status
  • Total Protein — liver and immune function
  • ALP, ALT, AST — liver enzymes
  • Bilirubin — liver and red blood cell breakdown

!Why It Matters

CMP is a routine screening test that detects kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances. It's often ordered during annual physicals, before surgery, or to monitor chronic conditions. Abnormalities in one component often affect others — the CMP provides the full picture.

Component Breakdown

Fasting Glucose

Blood sugar after 8+ hours fasting

Normal Range
70–99 mg/dL
Optimal Range
72–85 mg/dL

Creatinine

Muscle metabolism waste, filtered by kidneys

Normal Range
0.6–1.3 mg/dL
Optimal Range
0.7–1.0 mg/dL

BUN

Protein metabolism waste, filtered by kidneys

Normal Range
7–20 mg/dL
Optimal Range
8–18 mg/dL

eGFR

Estimated kidney filtration rate

Normal Range
>90 mL/min/1.73m²
Optimal Range
>90 mL/min/1.73m²

Sodium

Primary electrolyte for fluid balance

Normal Range
136–145 mmol/L
Optimal Range
138–142 mmol/L

Potassium

Electrolyte for heart and muscle function

Normal Range
3.5–5.0 mmol/L
Optimal Range
4.0–4.5 mmol/L

Calcium

Mineral for bones, nerves, and muscles

Normal Range
8.5–10.5 mg/dL
Optimal Range
9.0–10.2 mg/dL

Albumin

Major protein made by liver

Normal Range
3.5–5.5 g/dL
Optimal Range
4.0–5.0 g/dL

How to Prepare

  • Fast for 8–12 hours (glucose and some other components affected by food)
  • Stay hydrated — dehydration can falsely elevate BUN and creatinine
  • Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before (can raise creatinine)
  • Tell your doctor about medications — many affect kidney function and electrolytes

What Do Results Mean?

High glucose suggests diabetes or prediabetes. High creatinine/BUN suggests kidney disease. Low eGFR indicates chronic kidney disease stage. Electrolyte imbalances can cause arrhythmias, muscle cramps, or confusion. Liver enzyme elevation suggests liver disease. Low albumin suggests malnutrition or chronic disease.

Next Steps

High glucose: HbA1c test for diabetes confirmation. Kidney abnormalities: urine albumin test, kidney ultrasound. Liver abnormalities: viral hepatitis panel, liver ultrasound. Electrolyte imbalances: medication review, repeat testing, cardiac evaluation if severe.

Related Panels

Complete Blood Count (CBC)Lipid PanelLiver Function Tests (LFTs)Thyroid Panel

Track your Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) with ByoMap

Upload your blood report and get personalized optimal ranges for all components of your Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) — free.

Try Free — Upload Your Report