The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that provides a snapshot of the chemical composition of a person’s body. The test checks the levels of glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and the function of the liver and kidneys. It is often ordered by a doctor to diagnose illness, monitor health over time, or prior to taking new medications. The CMP requires a fast of eight to twelve hours before the test, and a sample of the patient’s blood is collected by a healthcare professional and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure of collecting the blood sample is quick and simple, with a needle inserted into the patient’s arm to collect a small blood sample in a test tube. The process usually takes less than five minutes and is not painful.
