What is the metabolic panel, complete blood count, or WBC?

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel or CMP blood test is usually ordered by a physician as a component of an annual physical exam or as a way to determine the cause of a particular symptom or complaint. The CMP is usually a panel or group of 14 blood tests that are designed to assess organ function. It usually provides the doctor with vital information on the present state of your liver, kidneys, blood sugar, blood proteins, electrolyte and acid/base balance.

The CMP blood test checks for any organ dysfunction through the measurement of electrolytes, albumin, pre-albumin, calcium, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and bilirubin. The levels of creatinine and BUN are indicators of the capacity of the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood. Abnormally high levels indicate the possibility of kidney disease. An unusually high ratio BUN and creatinine, which means reduced blood flow to the kidneys, while an abnormally low rate of BUN and creatinine indicating lower levels of urea and malnutrition. Measurement of electrolytes such as potassium dioxide, sodium, chlorine and carbon, may provide clues to problems with heart disease, dehydration and vomiting.

Unusually large amounts of bilirubin, AST, ALP and ALT are indicators of liver function problems. Abnormally high levels of bilirubinmay indicate hemolysis, jaundice, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction or acute hepatitis. Too much bilirubin, AST, alkaline phosphatase, ALT indicates the possibility of a disease or liver damage.

Abnormally high levels of glucose show the presence of diabetes and glucose levels low point of hypoglycemia. High levels of glucose can also be caused by pancreatitis, steroids, stress and liver disorders. With regard to the levels of protein and low pre-albumin and albumin can mean malnutrition,liver disease, kidney disease, diarrhea, gastrointestinal protein loss, burns, infections, fever, obesity, trauma, hypocalcemia, or edema. Note that the pre-albumin is a better marker of rapid nutritional changes. Meanwhile, calcium is a mineral that is vital in hormonal activity, blood clotting nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Abnormal calcium levels can point to the problems of bones, kidneys or pancreas.