CMP vs BMP: Which Metabolic Panel Do You Need?
Content last reviewed 2026-09-12 · Educational information — not medical advice
Quick answer
BMP covers 8 essentials (electrolytes, kidneys, glucose, calcium); CMP adds 6 liver markers and proteins for 14 total. Choose BMP for focused kidney/electrolyte monitoring; CMP for general screening where liver insight earns its $10 premium.
Side-by-side breakdown
| Component | BMP | CMP |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2 | ✓ | ✓ |
| BUN, creatinine (+eGFR) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Calcium | ✓ | ✓ |
| ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin | — | ✓ |
| Albumin, total protein | — | ✓ |
Decision heuristics
- Annual screening: CMP — liver enzymes catch statin injury, fatty liver, and medication effects BMPs miss entirely
- Kidney-disease monitoring: BMP suffices (plus urine albumin separately)
- Medication-safety checks (diuretics, ACE-inhibitors): BMP covers the watched values
- Any GI/liver symptoms: CMP mandatorily
- Price difference: typically $5–15 — usually trivial versus information gained
Preparation and logistics
Both prefer 8–12 hour fasting for clean glucose interpretation (modern practice tolerates non-fasting with caveats). Same tube, same draw, same 1-day turnaround. Ordering 'CMP instead of BMP' retroactively satisfies most screening intents.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I order BMP and add liver tests later?
Technically yes but wastefully — a second draw and double fees versus the CMP's bundled pricing.
Which does my annual physical usually include?
Most practices default to CMP for screening completeness; confirm at scheduling.