Description
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Plasma is a group of tests designed to provide an overview of the functioning status of our vital organs and bodily fluids. It evaluates the status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance, as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins. This test Includes Albumin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated), Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT, AST, BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated), Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine with GFR Estimated, Globulin (calculated), Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Urea Nitrogen.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - ALT is an enzyme found predominantly in the cells of the liver. When the liver is damaged, ALT rises.
Alkaline Phosphatase - In conditions affecting the liver, damaged liver cells release increased amounts of ALP into the blood.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - AST is another liver enzyme that is useful in helping to diagnose liver diseases. Unlike ALT, it can be elevated from other causes as well.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) - Urea nitrogen is a byproduct from the breakdown of food proteins. A normal BUN level is between 7 and 20. As kidney function decreases, the BUN level rises.
Calcium - Measuring calcium can help determine whether the kidneys are excreting the proper amount of calcium and can also help diagnose kidney stones.
Carbon dioxide (Bicarbonate) - Your kidneys and lungs balance the levels of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid in the blood. Carbon dioxide levels can be used to help diagnose kidney disease.
Chloride - Chloride is an electrolyte. An increased level of blood chloride may indicate kidney disease.
Creatinine with estimated GFR - A waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. This test is a measure of how well the kidneys are removing wastes and excess fluid from the blood. The normal value for GFR is 90 or above, but may decrease with age. A GFR below 60 is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. A GFR below 15 indicates kidney failure.
Glucose - Also known as blood sugar, is the body`s main source of energy, and is typically used by physicians to diagnose and monitor patients for prediabetes, diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational), hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia.
Potassium - Potassium is an electrolyte. High blood potassium can occur secondary to kidney disease. Low blood potassium can happen with vomiting or diarrhea or the use of water pills.
Sodium - Sodium is an electrolyte. Abnormal levels of sodium help to determine if the kidneys are properly removing sodium from the body.
Total bilirubin - This test measures direct and indirect levels of bilirubin to calculate a total bilirubin value. Excess bilirubin, caused by obstruction or an inflamed liver, can lead to jaundice. Jaundice can cause your skin and the whites of your eyes to yellow.
Total protein - Total protein, the amount of protein in your blood, can help diagnose liver disease. The two main proteins found in the blood are globulins and albumin.
The CMP blood test additionally calculates levels of:
Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated) - The A/G ratio is calculated from measured total protein, measured albumin, and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin) to help diagnose diseases.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated) - The ratio of BUN to creatinine (BUN:creatinine) is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys.
Globulin (calculated) - Globulin is a protein made in your liver and helps the immune system fight infections. Low globulin levels can be a sign of liver damage or other conditions.
