The common metabolic profile (CMP) panel is a test done as part of an annual physical examination. It is also part of a specific disease workup.
The CMP test includes the four commonly tested electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride and carbon dioxide. It also includes kidney function, liver enzymes, calcium and protein levels.
The kidney function discusses two major components: the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine.
In laypeople’s terms, the GFR is the percentage of the kidney’s function and usually ranges more than 60 percent. The serum creatinine is the excretion capacity of the kidney.
If the serum creatinine is high, it means a lot of creatinine is left in the blood and not filtered through the kidney. It denotes the kidney is not functioning properly.
The liver enzymes (AST and ALT) regard the synthetic function of the liver. These numbers can be elevated in acute liver injury, which commonly results from medication overdose or poisoning.
The calcium level concerns bone health. The alkaline phosphatase levels discuss the health and functioning capacity of the gallbladder.
One of the other common uses of the CMP test is to check for the kidneys’ health before doing any imaging studies, which involve giving contrast to the patient.
The contrast is given to help identify the blood flow to specific organs in a much higher definition. These numbers can also be used to diagnose common conditions like jaundice, gallstones, acute liver failure and acute kidney injury.
Anyone who would like to ask me a medical question about the health of older adults can email me at questions@apexmedicalgroup.org. I hope to provide a helpful answer in a future issue of this newspaper.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this column is based on current practice guidelines and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
Dr. Arvindselvan Mohanaselvan, M.D., is a physician board-certified in internal medicine with a subspecialty in geriatrics. He works at Apex Medical Group as a primary care and geriatric medicine provider. Email questions for “Paging the Doctor on Call” to questions@apexmedicalgroup.org.
