What is the primary purpose of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)?

The primary purpose of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is to assess various metabolic processes and diagnose systemic and organ-related disorders. A CMP includes a series of blood tests that provide important information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. It measures levels of glucose, calcium, electrolytes, proteins, and waste products, and helps evaluate how well organs such as the kidneys and liver are functioning.

By analyzing these components, healthcare providers can identify potential issues like metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, liver disease, and acid-base imbalances. The results of a CMP can also guide treatment decisions and help monitor the effects of certain medications or therapies. This makes it an essential tool in the overall assessment of a patient’s health status.

Lung function assessments, monitoring cardiac arrhythmias, and testing for thyroid function, while important in their contexts, do not fall under the scope of a CMP. Each of those assessments typically requires different tests specifically tailored for evaluating pulmonary function, cardiac health, or thyroid activity.