Lab tests
CMP and BMP results explained
A metabolic panel bundles eight to fourteen different tests into one list, covering blood sugar, salts, kidney markers and, in the comprehensive version, liver markers and proteins. Add your report below to see the list sorted and each line explained.
Explain your metabolic panel
- 1. Add itDrop a PDF, take a photo or paste the text.
- 2. Check itPersonal details are removed on your device. You approve what is sent.
- 3. Read itSummary, table of results, terms and questions to ask.
The explainer opens on its own page with no adverts and no outside scripts. Your file is read on your device and is never uploaded.
What you get
- The panel grouped into blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney lines and liver lines.
- Each value shown with the range your laboratory printed.
- Calculated lines such as the anion gap identified as calculated.
- Questions to ask about any result your report flags.
Lines you will usually see
- GlucoseThe amount of sugar in the blood at the time of the test
- Sodium, potassium, chloride and CO2 (bicarbonate)The main salts in the blood
- BUN and creatinineWaste products filtered by the kidneys
- CalciumA mineral carried in the blood
- In a CMP onlyAlbumin, total protein, ALP, ALT, AST and bilirubin
- Anion gapA figure calculated from the electrolyte results
What this tool cannot tell you
Because the panel covers several body systems at once, a single flagged line rarely means much on its own. Results also shift with fasting, hydration and medicines. MedicDecode explains what each line measures and what your report marks as out of range. It does not interpret the panel for you.
Common questions
What is on a CMP that is not on a BMP?
A CMP adds liver tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) and proteins (albumin and total protein) to the eight BMP tests: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, BUN and creatinine.
Does a CMP require fasting?
Often yes, because glucose is affected by eating, but follow the instructions given for your test.
Why would a doctor order a CMP?
As a broad check of blood sugar, salts, kidney and liver function, for example at a routine check-up or to monitor a condition or medicine.
What is the difference between a BMP and a CMP?
A basic metabolic panel usually has eight tests. A comprehensive metabolic panel adds liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin and total protein, for fourteen in all.
What is the anion gap?
It is not measured directly. The laboratory calculates it from the sodium, chloride and bicarbonate results.
My glucose is flagged. Does that mean diabetes?
MedicDecode cannot say. A single glucose result depends on when you last ate, among other things. Your doctor can tell you whether it needs a follow-up test.
Words you may see on this report
Tap a word for its plain-English meaning, an example line and what it does not mean.
- Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity that the kidneys filter out, so its blood level helps show how well the kidneys work.
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver; when liver cells are irritated or damaged, more ALT leaks into the blood.
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
AST is an enzyme found in the liver, muscles, heart and other tissues; raised levels can signal stress or damage in one of these.
- Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when old red blood cells break down; the liver processes it so it can leave the body.
- CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
CRP is a protein made by the liver that rises quickly when there is inflammation or infection in the body.
- Culture and Sensitivity
A culture and sensitivity test grows germs from a sample to identify them, then checks which antibiotics can stop them.
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
eGFR is an estimate of how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood, calculated from a creatinine blood test plus details like age.
- Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in the blood, such as sodium, potassium and chloride, that carry an electric charge and help the body work.
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
ESR measures how fast red blood cells sink in a tube of blood over an hour; a faster rate can be a general sign of inflammation.
- Fasting Sample
A fasting sample is blood taken after you have had nothing to eat or drink except water for a set number of hours.
- Ferritin
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron; its blood level gives a good idea of how much iron the body has in reserve.
- HbA1c
HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months by measuring how much sugar is attached to red blood cells.
Medicines connected to this test
Their official labels mention this kind of test. Each is explained in plain English.
- Amlodipine
a calcium channel blocker, a type of medicine that relaxes blood vessels
- Atenolol
a beta-blocker (beta-adrenergic blocker). The label describes it as a beta 1-selective, or cardioselective, blocking agent.
- Bisoprolol Fumarate
a beta-blocker, which the label describes as a synthetic, beta 1-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking agent
- Carvedilol
A beta-blocker. The FDA lists it as both an alpha-adrenergic blocker and a beta-adrenergic blocker.
- Dapagliflozin
a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a type of diabetes medicine
- Empagliflozin
a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a prescription medicine that works on sugar handling in the kidneys
- Enalapril
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
- Furosemide
A loop diuretic, a type of medicine that helps the body get rid of extra fluid through urine