Educational comparison · Kidney · Liver · Minerals
BMP vs CMP: What Is Included and What Is Missing?
Clear differences before you compare orders.
Direct answer
A standard BMP measures eight substances. A standard CMP includes those eight plus six liver-related or protein measurements. Neither panel is a complete check of your health, and neither automatically includes a CBC, A1c, cholesterol, or thyroid test. [1] [2]
Factual and editorial verification: October 21, 2026. No independent clinical review has been performed.
What do these panels measure?
Both are groups of blood measurements. They help a clinician assess blood sugar, kidney-related markers, and fluid or electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are charged minerals that help the body work normally. [1]
Which measurements are included?
| Measurements | BMP | CMP |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose; calcium | Included | Included |
| Sodium; potassium; chloride; carbon dioxide/bicarbonate | Included | Included |
| Blood urea nitrogen (BUN); creatinine | Included | Included |
| Albumin; total protein | Not in standard BMP | Included |
| ALT; AST; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) | Not in standard BMP | Included |
| Total bilirubin | Not in standard BMP | Included |
The CMP adds six measurements: albumin, total protein, ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin. An estimated kidney filtration rate, or eGFR, may be reported as a calculation; it is not another substance measured from the sample. [3] [2]
Why might a clinician order a BMP or CMP?
A clinician may use a BMP to check kidney-related markers, blood sugar, or electrolyte balance. A CMP may be chosen when liver-related and protein results are also relevant, or to monitor a condition or treatment. The useful choice depends on the question being asked. [2]
What do they leave out?
The standard component lists do not include blood-cell counts, stored iron, A1c, cholesterol, thyroid hormones, or a vitamin D measurement. A package may add these, so read the whole list. “Comprehensive” is the name of a defined chemistry panel, not a promise to find every illness. [1]
An abnormal result often has more than one possible cause. A normal panel does not rule out every kidney, liver, or other health problem. Your clinician considers the pattern, history, medicines, and any needed follow-up. [2]
Do these panels require fasting?
Fasting may be required, depending on the order and clinical reason. Do not assume every BMP or CMP has identical instructions. Confirm how to prepare and ask about medicine safety, especially if you take medicines that affect blood sugar. [1]
How can I compare two offers?
Match the exact components first. Then check preparation, collection location, final charges, and who explains results. A low advertised panel price may not be the final total. No current test-specific BMP or CMP purchase link or checkout price has been verified in this guide.
Do I need both a BMP and a CMP?
A standard CMP already contains the eight measurements in a standard BMP. Buying both for the same question can duplicate those measurements. If a clinician has ordered repeat testing at different times, that is a different situation: ask which order and collection date apply. [1] [2]
Does a CMP include a CBC, A1c or cholesterol?
No. A complete blood count examines blood cells, A1c reflects longer-term blood glucose, and a lipid panel reports cholesterol-related measurements. The word comprehensive does not include those tests automatically. A seller may put several panels in one package; read that package’s component list.
How do I compare BMP and CMP prices fairly?
First compare like with like: BMP with BMP, or CMP with CMP. Then record the test price, collection fee, ordering fee and any conditional charges. A low headline price may omit fees, and a larger bundle may contain tests you already have. Use the blood work cost checklist before paying.
For example, a bundle called CBC + CMP adds a blood-cell panel to the chemistry panel. It is not the same product as a CMP alone. This is a component example, not a verified purchase offer or a recommendation to order either package.
References and editorial verification
Factual and editorial verification: October 21, 2026. Prepared by OrderMyOwnLabs using AI-assisted research and fact-checking. No independent clinical review or medical certification is claimed.
Medical Disclaimer
OrderMyOwnLabs.com is an independent educational and referral website, not a medical provider or laboratory. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about which tests are appropriate for you and how to interpret your results. Testing services, prices, availability, and ordering requirements are determined by independent third-party providers.