Ultimate Guide to the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

Along with complete blood counts, metabolic panels are some of the most commonly ordered blood tests. Metabolic panels evaluate a variety of biomarkers to analyze the body’s overall metabolic health. There are two types of metabolic panels - basic and comprehensive. While both offer great insight into a patient’s health, the comprehensive test includes protein and liver markers, which are useful for a better understanding of health and disease. Comprehensive metabolic panels are used as part of routine health screenings, to assist in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases, or to monitor medical treatment. 

What is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?

A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of tests designed to analyze the body’s overall metabolic health. A comprehensive metabolic panel measures 14 different analytes, including glucose, calcium, electrolytes, proteins, kidney health markers, and liver health markers. The addition of protein and liver health measurements differentiates this test from a basic metabolic panel.

What is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel used for?

A comprehensive metabolic panel is a routine procedure performed for a variety of different reasons. It can be used as part of a routine health screening or to monitor the effects of various medical treatments. It can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and liver disease.

What is reported by the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel measures a variety of metabolic markers. These markers include sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, glucose, BUN, creatinine, calcium, albumin, ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, and total protein.

How do you collect a sample for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel requires a blood sample. A phlebotomist must collect this sample at a draw laboratory; the patient cannot collect it at home. The phlebotomist handles sample collection, preparation, and shipping. Rupa Health is completely separate from phlebotomy and we do not have any partner draw sites or laboratories. Patients can find a blood draw location by using Vibrant America’s blood draw locator or by reaching out to us at [email protected]. 

Who can order a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?

Any practitioner with an NPI number can order a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel from Vibrant America. If you have questions about whether or not you can order this test, reach out to us at [email protected] or through your Rupa Health portal. 

Similar tests to the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

Comprehensive Metabolic Panels are offered from almost all basic blood labs, including Vibrant America, Boston Heart, Access Medical, Quest, and LabCorp. These tests measure 14 different metabolic markers to assess the body’s metabolic processes. There are also basic metabolic panels available that measure only 8 different markers. These basic panels do not measure blood proteins or any liver markers, such as bilirubin or ALP. 

Do you need to fast before getting blood drawn for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?

Patients typically are asked to fast before getting a blood draw for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. However, patients should always check with their healthcare practitioner before fasting.

What do abnormal Comprehensive Metabolic Panel results mean?

Abnormal results can be caused by a wide range of things. Your healthcare practitioner will evaluate the results as a whole and then decide on further testing to investigate the cause of the abnormal result(s).