Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
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.
Alternative Names
Metabolic panel - comprehensive; Chem-20; SMA20; Sequential multi-channel analysis with computer-20; SMAC20; Metabolic panel 20
How the test is performed
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see:
How to prepare for the test
You should not eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.
How the test will feel
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.
Why the test is performed
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)
