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Comprehensive metabolic panel

Metabolic panel - comprehensive; Chem-20; SMA20; Sequential multi-channel analysis with computer-20; SMAC20; Metabolic panel 20

 

A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that use energy.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is needed.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You should not eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test gives your health care provider information about:

  • How your kidneys and liver are working
  • Blood sugar, cholesterol, and calcium levels
  • Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels (called electrolytes )
  • Protein levels

Your provider may order this test during a yearly exam or routine checkup.

 

Normal Results

 

  • Albumin : 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL
  • Alkaline phosphatase : 44 to 147 IU/L
  • ALT (alanine aminotransferase): 10 to 40 IU/L
  • AST (aspartate aminotransferase): 10 to 34 IU/L
  • BUN (blood urea nitrogen): 6 to 20 mg/dL
  • Calcium : 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
  • Chloride : 96 - 106 mEq/L
  • CO2 (carbon dioxide): 23 to 29 mEq/L
  • Creatinine : 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL
  • Glucose : 70 to 100 mg/dL
  • Potassium : 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L
  • Sodium : 135 to 145 mEq/L
  • Total bilirubin : 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL
  • Total protein : 6.0 to 8.3 g/dL

Normal values for glucose and creatinine can vary with age.

Normal value ranges for all tests may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results can be due to a variety of different medical conditions. These may include kidney failure, breathing problems, and diabetes complications.

 

Risks

 

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

 

 

Open References

References

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Disease/organ panels. McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:appendix 7.

 

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              Review Date: 2/8/2015

              Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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