Frequently Asked Questions

• Taking a proactive approach to health?

  While 6 in 10 adults have a chronic disease and 4 in 10 have two or more, changes in lifestyle and behavior (like being more physically active or eating a healthy diet) can prevent or control many of these conditions.¹

• Do you take multiple medications?

  In consultation with your healthcare provider, a CMP test can be used to monitor the use of certain medications to check for kidney-related or liver-related side effects.²

• Unexplained health issues?

  A healthy diet and regular physical activity are essential for long-term health benefits and for the prevention of chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.³

• What does a full metabolic panel test for?

  A metabolic panel blood test provides insights into your body’s metabolism so you have a clearer understanding of your body’s ability to carry out important functions. Our body converts food and drink into energy through metabolism to fuel body functions such as breathing, digestion, growth, and cell repair, and hormone management. Our comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) measures essential components in your blood such as sugars, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes and waste products. This information is essential for understanding your overall health and assessing the function of your liver and kidneys.

• What is the difference between a CBC and a CMP test?

  A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the amount of red and white blood cells in your body. A CMP test measures various substances in the blood to determine your overall metabolic health.4 Under consultation with your provider, a CMP test may help screen for conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver inflammation or electrolyte imbalances.

• How often should I take a CMP test?

  Healthcare providers typically recommend routine blood tests, such as a CMP test, be performed once a year.4 You should consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your results, or if your results are outside of the standard range.

• Do I need to fast for a comprehensive metabolic panel?

  Yes, fasting is typically required for a metabolic panel test. You should fast for 12 hours before the test. You can drink water; however, avoid food and other beverages, including coffee or tea.   Fasting ensures more accurate results for certain components of the CMP test.

• How do you read comprehensive metabolic panel test results?

  Reading CMP test results involves comparing your values to the provided reference ranges, which indicate normal levels for each component. The CMP test measures glucose, electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, and proteins. It provides important information about your metabolism (how your body uses food and energy) and the balance of certain chemicals in your body.   Note: This test is not intended to diagnose any specific medical condition. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper interpretation of CMP test results.

• What is a normal CMP test?

  A normal CMP test result is when all values within the panel fall within the normal reference ranges. For example, a normal CMP result would have all 14 different components within their respective normal ranges When reviewing your metabolic panel test results, the reference ranges are listed alongside your individual values in the report.

• How accurate is this testing?

  Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.