CBC CMP refers to a combination of two common blood tests: a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). These tests, often ordered together, provide a broad overview of a person's overall health.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC analyzes different components of your blood, offering insights into your blood's ability to carry oxygen, fight infection, and clot properly. It measures:
- Red blood cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen throughout the body. Low counts can indicate anemia.
- White blood cells (WBCs): Fight infection. High counts can suggest infection or inflammation.
- Platelets: Essential for blood clotting. Low counts increase bleeding risk.
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Indicators of oxygen-carrying capacity.
As stated by Forest Urgent Care, a CBC "provides an overall count of your red and white blood cells and your platelets, [and] we can also measure the balance between the three." (https://www.foresturgentcare.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-cbc-and-cmp-blood-tests)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A CMP is a broader blood test assessing various substances in your blood, reflecting the function of your liver, kidneys, and other metabolic processes. It measures 14 different substances, including:
- Glucose: Blood sugar levels.
- Electrolytes: Minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride that regulate fluid balance.
- Proteins: Essential for various bodily functions.
- Enzymes: Indicators of liver and kidney function.
- Minerals: Such as calcium and phosphorus.
According to MedlinePlus, a CMP "measures 14 different substances in a sample of your blood" and helps evaluate kidney and liver function, along with sugar and protein levels (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-test-cmp.html). Cleveland Clinic adds that it measures "proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, minerals and other substances in your body" (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22058-comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp).
Combined Usefulness of CBC and CMP
Ordering both tests together offers a more complete picture of a person's health than either test alone. They complement each other, providing a comprehensive assessment of various bodily systems. The combination helps physicians diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions.
