What is a CMP: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel vs. a BMP: Basic Metabolic Panel?

Both CMP and BMP are blood tests used to assess your body's internal health, but they differ in scope and detail. Here's a breakdown:

🧪 Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

This test focuses on core metabolic functions, especially kidney health and electrolyte balance.

Includes:

• Glucose (blood sugar)

• Calcium

• Sodium, Potassium, Chloride (electrolytes)

• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and Creatinine (kidney function)

  • 🧬 Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a medical marker used to evaluate how well your kidneys and liver are functioning.

    🔍 What It Is

    • Urea nitrogen is a waste product formed in your liver when it breaks down proteins from the food you eat.

    • This waste travels through your bloodstream to your kidneys, which filter it out and remove it via urine.

    • A BUN test measures how much of this waste remains in your blood.

• CO₂ (bicarbonate – acid/base balance)

Used for:

• Checking hydration status

• Monitoring diabetes or kidney disease

• Evaluating symptoms like fatigue or confusion

🧬 Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

This test includes everything in the BMP, plus additional markers for liver function and protein levels.

Adds:

• Albumin and Total Protein

• Liver enzymes: ALT, AST, ALP

• Bilirubin (related to red blood cell breakdown)

Used for:

• Broader health screenings

• Monitoring liver conditions

• Evaluating medication effects or chronic illnesses

🔍 Key Difference

Feature	BMP	CMP
Kidney & Electrolytes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Liver Function	❌ No	✅ Yes
Protein Levels	❌ No	✅ Yes
Number of Tests	~8	~14
Common Use	Quick check-up	Full-body health assessment

So, if your doctor wants a quick snapshot, they’ll likely order a BMP. If they want a more complete picture, especially involving your liver, they’ll go with a CMP.