Also known as
Complete Metabolic Panel, CMP, Chemistry 14, Chem 14, Chemistry Panel, or Chemistry Screen.
What is the Purpose of a Complete Metabolic Panel?
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a window into your overall wellness. This group of 14 tests provides an overview of the functioning status of your vital organs and bodily fluids. It evaluates the status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance, as well as your blood sugar and blood proteins.
What Does the CMP Blood Test Measure?
CMP labs measure:
- Blood glucose
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Carbon dioxide
- Chloride
- Albumin
- Total protein in the blood
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Alanine transaminase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Bilirubin
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
Only one blood draw is needed to run all 14 tests.
Who Should Take a CMP Test?
Doctors generally recommend a CMP blood test as part of your annual health checkup. The tests are used as a barometer of your well-being, ensuring you are in good health or spotting potential issues early so you can seek effective treatment. A physician may also order a CMP test if you’re on medications that may affect your liver or kidneys. Finally, a CMP can help your doctor diagnose a suspected medical condition.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Preparation
Fasting is required for 12 hours before giving your blood sample. You may want to talk with the lab technician about your current medications prior to taking the test in case they influence the results.
Complete Metabolic Panel Results
The Personalabs CMP lab test results are easy to read. Once your test is completed, you will receive a report that shows both the normal “reference range” for the biomarkers that were tested, and how your test results compare to the recommended normal levels.
Abnormal CMP test results could be caused by medications you were taking at the time of the test, whether you ate or drank during the fasting period before the test, and whether you exercised before the test.
If your test results show abnormal biomarker levels, you may want to get tested again to verify whether there is reason for concern.
How Much Does a CMP Blood Test Cost?
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel at Personalabs costs $44 — and that includes your physician-signed lab order. No hidden fees, no insurance required, no doctor’s appointment needed.
Compare that to what you’d typically pay elsewhere:
| Where You Get Tested | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Personalabs | $44 | Physician order + lab draw + results |
| Doctor’s office visit + lab | $150–$350+ | Copay + separate lab bill |
| Hospital outpatient lab | $200–$600+ | Facility fees apply |
| Emergency room | $500–$2,000+ | ER fees + lab fees |
HSA and FSA eligible. Your CMP qualifies as a reimbursable medical expense, so you can pay with pre-tax healthcare dollars and stretch your benefits further.
No waiting weeks for a doctor’s appointment just to get a lab order. Order now, get tested today, and have results in your account within 24–48 hours — all for $44.
Where Can I Get a CMP Lab Test Done Near Me?
With more than 4,000 partner labs across the United States, Personalabs makes it easy to get a comprehensive metabolic panel near you:
Step 1: Visit our website’s section on general health and wellness tests and order the CMP online. Once the test is purchased, download the lab order for the blood work. (You don’t need a doctor’s approval to get the lab order, depending on the state you live in.)
Step 2: Go to our lab locator to find the affiliate location that’s most convenient for you.
Step 3: Take the order to the lab for the blood draw.
Step 4: Receive your accurate, detailed CMP lab test results, typically within 48 hours, at your private and secure Personalabs account.
Our customer service agents can advise you at any point during the test ordering process.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a CMP blood test without a doctor’s prescription?
Yes – in most states. Personalabs operates through a physician network that provides the lab order on your behalf, so you do not need your own doctor’s referral or prescription to get tested. After you order online, our network physician reviews and approves your order within 2-4 hours. A small number of states have restrictions on direct-to-consumer lab testing; contact us to confirm availability in your state.
Do I need to fast before a CMP blood test?
Yes. Fasting for 12 hours before your CMP blood draw is required for accurate results. Eating raises blood glucose and can affect several other markers. Water is fine and actually recommended to stay hydrated and make the blood draw easier. If you forgot to fast, it is better to reschedule than to get results that may appear abnormal due to recent food intake.
How long does it take to get CMP blood test results?
Most CMP results are available in your Personalabs account within 24-48 hours after your blood is drawn at the lab. You will receive a notification when results are ready. Results include your values alongside standard reference ranges so you can see exactly how your levels compare.
How much does a CMP blood test cost at Personalabs?
A CMP blood test at Personalabs costs $44, which includes the physician lab order. There are no hidden fees and no insurance is required. Your CMP is HSA and FSA eligible.
What is the difference between a CMP and a BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)?
Both tests measure kidney function, blood sugar, and electrolytes – but the CMP goes further by including 6 additional liver function markers: ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, and total protein. If you want a more complete metabolic picture or have any concern about liver health, choose the CMP. The BMP is sufficient if you are only screening for kidney function and blood sugar. Personalabs offers both – the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is available for $39.
What time of day should I get my CMP blood test?
First thing in the morning is ideal – ideally between 7-10am. Scheduling your draw in the morning means most of your 12-hour fasting window happens overnight while you sleep, making it much easier to comply. Morning draws also reduce the chance of accidental fasting violations.
Is a CMP blood test covered by insurance at Personalabs?
Personalabs is a direct-to-consumer service you pay our flat rate directly, without going through insurance. This eliminates unpredictable copays, deductibles, and billing surprises. While we do not bill insurance, your CMP is HSA and FSA eligible, meaning you can use pre-tax healthcare funds to pay.
What do abnormal CMP results mean?
Results outside the normal reference range can indicate a wide range of conditions – from not fasting properly before the draw, to early signs of kidney disease, liver stress, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances. Abnormal results do not automatically mean something is seriously wrong; they are a signal that follow-up is warranted. Personalabs provides physician oversight on all results and can help connect you with a provider if your results raise questions.
