CMP Table of Contents
- Introduction to the CMP Blood Test
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Bilirubin
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- Glucose
- Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Carbon Dioxide, and Chloride
- Albumin and Total Protein
- Is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Right For You?
- FAQs about the CMP and the Blood Draw Experience
Takeaways:
- The CMP blood test provides valuable insight into one’s metabolic health.
- There are differences in reference ranges between traditional and functional medicine.
- Understanding each blood test can aid in holistic health comprehension.
- The significance of high and low levels of each blood test.
- The reasons doctors from traditional and functional medicine order these tests.
Introduction to the CMP Blood Test
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Labs team of editorial health contributors.
In our quest for wellness, the key lies in understanding our bodies better. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel or CMP blood test is a window to such insights. This panel evaluates different chemicals and minerals in the bloodstream, offering a snapshot of your body’s chemical balance and metabolism.
But before diving in, let’s decipher reference ranges. In traditional medicine, reference ranges are broad averages, derived from large populations. They determine what’s “normal.”
On the other hand, functional medicine narrows down these ranges, tailoring them to optimal wellness standards. These doctors argue that ‘average’ isn’t always synonymous with ‘optimal’ and that looking at the patterns of “suboptimal” test results can give valuable insights for those trying to restore their health.
Whether you’re seeking to understand your body’s inner workings, or a medical professional seeking clarity, the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP blood test) is a valuable tool. Let’s decode its importance and why both traditional and functional medicine doctors rely on it.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Traditional Reference Range: 7-56 U/L
Functional Medicine Reference Range: 10-30 U/L
ALT is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver. It plays a crucial role in converting amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and energy for the liver.
- High Levels: Indicate potential liver injury or inflammation.
- Low Levels: Uncommon and usually not of clinical significance, but can be linked to certain vitamin deficiencies or severe liver damage.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To detect liver disease or damage.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To understand subtle changes in liver function that may hint at initial stages of dysfunction or potential for future problems.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Traditional Reference Range: 10-40 U/L
Functional Medicine Reference Range: 15-25 U/L
AST is another enzyme in the liver. Like ALT, it helps metabolize amino acids. AST is also found in the heart, muscles, and kidneys.
- High Levels: Suggest liver damage, heart disease, or muscle disorders.
- Low Levels: Rare, but may indicate certain forms of anemia or a vitamin B6 deficiency.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To assess liver function and possible heart problems.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To evaluate overall metabolic health and the interconnectedness of organ systems.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Traditional Reference Range: 44-147 IU/L
Functional Medicine Reference Range: 50-90 IU/L
ALP is an enzyme present in the liver, bones, kidneys, intestines, and other organs. It’s primarily involved in breaking down proteins and is pivotal for bone growth.
- High Levels: May indicate liver disease, bone disorders, or certain cancers.
- Low Levels: Can suggest malnutrition, celiac disease, or certain genetic disorders.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To detect liver or bone disorders.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To identify early signs of dietary deficiencies or potential autoimmune conditions.
Bilirubin
Traditional Reference Range: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL
Functional Medicine Reference Range: 0.2-0.8 mg/dL
Bilirubin is a yellowish compound produced when red blood cells break down and is processed by the liver.
- High Levels: Suggest liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or certain anemias. Higher levels can result in jaundice—a yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Low Levels: Rare and usually not clinically significant but can indicate certain types of anemia or excessive caffeine consumption.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To evaluate liver function or to check for anemia.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To assess overall liver health and the body’s red blood cell turnover rate.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Traditional Reference Range: 7-20 mg/dL
Functional Medicine Reference Range: 10-15 mg/dL
BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that’s produced in the liver, processed in the kidneys, and excreted in the urine.
- High Levels: Can be a sign of kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake.
- Low Levels: Might indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To check kidney function or monitor certain conditions.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To evaluate dietary protein levels and hydration status.
Creatinine
Traditional Reference Range: 0.84-1.21 mg/dL (varies based on age, gender, and muscle mass) Functional Medicine Reference Range: 0.7-1.1 mg/dL
Creatinine is a waste product produced from the natural breakdown of muscles. Healthy kidneys filter it from the blood.
- High Levels: Indicate potential kidney dysfunction.
- Low Levels: May suggest reduced muscle mass or certain rare conditions.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To assess kidney function.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To understand muscle metabolism and overall kidney health.
Glucose
Traditional Reference Range: 70-99 mg/dL (fasting)
Functional Medicine Reference Range: 83-90 mg/dL (fasting)
Glucose is your body’s primary source of energy. Maintaining balanced blood glucose levels is crucial for overall health.
- High Levels: Can indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
- Low Levels: Might suggest hypoglycemia or an insulinoma.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To diagnose or monitor diabetes.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To evaluate blood sugar regulation and potential dietary interventions.
Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Carbon Dioxide, and Chloride
Traditional Reference Ranges:
- Calcium: 8.6-10.3 mg/dL
- Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L
- Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
- Carbon Dioxide: 23-30 mEq/L
- Chloride: 96-107 mEq/L
Functional Medicine Reference Ranges:
- Calcium: 9.2-10.1 mg/dL
- Sodium: 138-142 mEq/L
- Potassium: 4.0-4.5 mEq/L
- Carbon Dioxide: 25-28 mEq/L
- Chloride: 98-105 mEq/L
These minerals and gases are pivotal for various functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contractions, acid-base balance, and hydration.
- High or Low Levels: Can suggest various conditions like kidney disease, respiratory issues, dehydration, or endocrine disorders.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To assess overall metabolic health, hydration status, and possible imbalances.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To detect subtle shifts that can be corrected through diet, hydration, or supplements.
Albumin and Total Protein
Traditional Reference Range:
- Albumin: 3.4-5.4 g/dL
- Total Protein: 6.0-8.3 g/dL
Functional Medicine Reference Range:
- Albumin: 3.8-4.5 g/dL
- Total Protein: 6.5-7.8 g/dL
Albumin is a major protein made by the liver, helping keep blood from leaking out of vessels and transporting various substances. Total protein measures albumin and all other proteins in the blood.
- High or Low Levels: Can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or various other conditions.
Why Doctors Order This Test:
- Traditional Medicine Doctors: To evaluate liver and kidney function.
- Functional Medicine Doctors: To understand protein synthesis and the nutritional status.
Is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Right For You?
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is a treasure trove of insights. Not only does it gauge the health of your major organs, but it also provides a clear picture of your metabolic status. Ordering the CMP (or you can find it in our larger test panel, the Health Check Plus with Vitamin D, is a step forward in taking charge of your health. Understand your body better; it’s the only one you’ve got!
FAQs about the CMP and the Blood Draw Experience
- What is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?
- The CMP is a blood test that measures various substances in your blood, providing information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism.
- How is the blood drawn?
- You will need to visit a draw center where a phlebotomist will use a small needle to draw blood from a vein, typically in your arm.
- Is the blood draw painful?
- Most people feel a quick pinch or sting, but it’s generally mild and short-lived.
- How long does it take to get results?
- Typically, results are available within a few days. You will get an email letting you know when they have been uploaded to your test results.
- Do I need to fast before taking the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) blood test?
- Yes, it’s often recommended to fast for 10-12 hours before the test. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Generally water and black coffee are ok to consume.
Reference Sources
- MedlinePlus: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14)
- Cleveland Clinic: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP Blood Test)
