Comprehensive metabolic panel

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A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of chemical tests performed on the blood serum (the part of blood that doesn't contain cells).

This test provides an overall picture of your body's metabolism. Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that use energy.

Metabolic panel - comprehensive; Chem-20; SMA20; Sequential multi-channel analysis with computer-20; SMAC20; Metabolic panel 20

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture

You should not eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.

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When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This test will give your doctor information about:

• How your kidneys and liver are working
• Blood sugar, cholesterol, and calcium levels
• Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels (called electrolytes)
• Protein levels

Your doctor may order this test during a yearly exam or routine checkup.

Review Date: 02/20/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).