What are common laboratory tests included in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)?

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a commonly utilized blood test that provides valuable information about a patient's overall health, particularly related to their metabolism, organ function, and chemical balance. This panel typically includes tests that measure glucose levels, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate), protein levels (including albumin and total protein), as well as liver enzymes (such as alanine aminotransferase - ALT and aspartate aminotransferase - AST).

These components are integral to assessing how well the body processes nutrients and maintains fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, as well as identifying abnormalities in liver function. The tests in a CMP provide essential insights that can guide diagnosis and treatment, making it a foundational tool in routine health evaluations.

Other options mentioned in the choices focus on specific test categories that are not part of the CMP. For instance, tests for thyroid function and hormone levels are included in different panels that specifically assess endocrine function, while tests for vitamins and minerals represent another distinct set of evaluations that fall outside the scope of a metabolic panel. Blood gases are critical for assessing respiratory function, but they are not included in a CMP either. Therefore, the comprehensive metabolic panel is best characterized by the tests that measure glucose