The CMET blood test is a comprehensive metabolic panel that is ordered to give medical providers an overview of an individual’s kidney health. Electrolyte balances, acid-base balance, and the levels of blood proteins and glucose are also measured with this blood test. It may be used to help diagnose a health condition or can be used to monitor known health issues, such as high blood pressure or liver and/or kidney disease.
The CMET blood test is often ordered as part of a routine physical examination. Some individuals may also have this test ordered to investigate bothersome symptoms or to monitor the effectiveness of medications that are being taken. Fasting for up to 12 hours is often required for accurate results in the CMET test.
What Do the Test Results Mean?
Medical providers are going to look at the overall test results from the CMET blood test to determine an approximation of the quality of health. One result that is slightly abnormal may not have any medical significance at all or it may have consequences associated with it that must be treated immediately.
There are two primary reasons why one test result may be slightly out of range when compared to others.
1. Individual Variables.
Medical science is slightly inexact because people can be very different from one another. There will be a normal range for all tests that are conducted in the CMET based on averages, but some people fall outside of these averages without there being anything wrong with them.
2. Biological Variables.
It is very possible for someone to have very different CMET blood test results on two different days within the same week. Over the course of several tests, it is more likely that there will be at least one test result that is slightly abnormal than it will be for all test results to fit within the normal range.
Out of range results may happen for a wide variety of reasons. Kidney failure can produce similar results to malnutrition or prolonged voluntary fasting. Follow-up tests are often ordered to determine a specific diagnosis if one is necessary. Slightly high or slightly low tests might prompt a retest or may be compared to previous results to see if the variables appear on a regular basis.
In total, 14 tests are going to be conducted when the CMET is ordered.
What Is Being Tested in the CMET?
There are 5 specific categories that will be examined through the CMET blood test results. Each test may indicate health conditions that require future follow-up may be present. Here are the areas that are being tested.
Glucose and Calcium.
The primary energy source and one of the most important minerals are both tested to determine if levels are satisfactory and the body’s responses to them are as they should be. Too much glucose may indicate diabetes, while too much calcium may cause circulatory, joint, and muscle issues.
Proteins.
Albumin and total protein levels are measured to determine the health and activity of the liver. If there are discrepancies on this test, it may indicate the presence of a hepatitis virus, cirrhosis, or other liver health issues.
Electrolytes.
The balance of minerals and substances within the blood is also vital to a person’s health. Sodium and Potassium are the two most important substances that the CMET will measure, but Chloride and Bicarbonate levels are also included to determine the pH levels that exist within the body.
Kidney Tests.
The blood urea nitrogen and creatinine are also measured with this blood test to determine the waste filtering capabilities of the kidneys. Kidney health issues immediately impact these two items that are routinely filtered out of the blood, so high levels indicate an issue with the organs that may need to be addressed.
Liver Tests.
ALP, ALT, and Bilirubin tests are conducted to see if waste products are being broken down or if liver damage may be present. Enzymes that are elevated may also indicate the presence of a disease or disorder that must be monitored.
Most people who have the CMET blood test will have normal results. For those that have slightly out of range results, most individuals will still be a picture of good health. If there are abnormal results, an individual’s medical history will be examined to determine what may be causing the issue. Follow-up testing, medication changes, and other issues will be looked at as a treatment plan is formed.
The CMET blood test is useful for a good picture of overall health. Ask about it at your next routine physical exam.