Medically reviewed on June 27, 2022 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
Table of contents
- What Is a Basic Metabolic Panel?
- What Is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?
- Why would you need these tests?
- How to prepare for these tests
- Related content
Your blood can provide a great deal of insight into your overall health because it contains so many components from the body. Certain tests and examinations can help to unlock the secrets of your blood, which can help to check for certain conditions. Two common blood tests are the basic metabolic panel and the comprehensive metabolic panel. While the two are similar and have some overlap, it’s worth understanding their differences. Learn more about these two tests below.
What Is a Basic Metabolic Panel?
A basic metabolic panel is a blood test that can provide information about your metabolism and certain chemical balances in the body. Metabolism is the process wherein the body breaks down food into its base components and turns it into usable energy [1]. (Note that you can take an at-home metabolism test to check three hormones that can influence your metabolism and may help you understand unexpected changes in weight and energy. The Everlywell Metabolism test measures 3 key hormones which may be playing a role in your metabolism. This test looks at different biomarkers than a traditional metabolic panel.)
The purpose of the basic metabolic panel is to make sure that several markers are within a normal range. This panel tests for eight different substances in the blood, including:
- Glucose
- Calcium
- Electrolytes (sodium, carbon dioxide, potassium, and chloride)
- Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen [1]
What Is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?
What is a comprehensive metabolic panel, exactly? A CMP is like a basic metabolic panel, but it measures more substances in the blood. A comprehensive metabolic panel measures 14 substances. What sets this test apart from a basic metabolic panel is the addition of these substances:
- Albumin
- Total protein (a measure of albumin and globulins)
- Liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase)
- Bilirubin [2]
Why would you need these tests?
Your healthcare provider may order either of these tests as a part of a regular physical examination. Your healthcare provider may ask for a CMP test if they believe that you are at risk of liver disease or kidney failure [2]. You may need a basic metabolic panel if you are being treated in an emergency room or require monitoring for high blood pressure, kidney disease, or certain other chronic conditions [1].
A basic metabolic panel can typically measure for:
- Basic metabolic function
- Kidney health
- Electrolyte imbalances
- pH imbalances [1]
The CMP test can provide insight into all those health factors. However, a CMP offers further insight into liver health. This can help to identify potential diseases or damage to the liver, along with the health of other organs. The CMP also provides a detailed look at protein levels via the total protein test, which can provide further insight into your health [2].
How to prepare for these tests
Both basic and comprehensive metabolic panels are conducted as blood tests. Once blood is drawn it is sent to a lab for testing. The preparation for these tests includes fasting at least eight hours prior to the test. Food and drink can cause fluctuations in certain components in the blood—like glucose, calcium, and protein—which would lead to inaccurate results.
Related content
What Is a Basic Metabolic Panel?
What Is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel?
How to Check Liver Health: Key Points to Know
Why Understanding Your Metabolism Is A Key To Better Health
References
1. Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP). Medline Plus. URL. Accessed June 27, 2022.
2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Medline Plus. URL. Accessed June 27, 2022.
Spotlight on
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Your mammogram looks for cancer today. What about tomorrow? A new way to look at your breast cancer risk.
Learn more
When it comes to cancer, early is everything. Screen for early signs on 55+ cancers with a single blood draw.
Know earlyYour mammogram looks for cancer today. What about tomorrow? A new way to look at your breast cancer risk.
Learn moreWhen it comes to cancer, early is everything. Screen for early signs on 55+ cancers with a single blood draw.
Know earlyExplore Everlywell
Top picks
Clairity Breast™ Cancer 5-Year Risk Assessment
FDA-authorized AI driven software analyzes your existing screening mammogram to estimate your 5-year breast cancer risk.
Jona Gut Microbiome Test
Test your gut microbiome with one at-home sample. Get insights on digestion, metabolism, brain health, and more—plus AI-powered diet and lifestyle recommendations tailored to you.
The Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test
Stay ahead of cancer with the Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test. This blood-based screening can detect a signal shared by over 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.
