What does it mean when a comp metabolic panel is high?

A comprehensive (comp) metabolic panel is a blood test that measures several substances in the blood. It is used to evaluate a person's overall health and to detect a wide range of medical conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances.

When a comp metabolic panel is high, it can indicate that a person has one or more of the following conditions:

* Kidney disease: High levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid can all indicate kidney disease. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and is normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. BUN is another waste product that is produced by the breakdown of protein. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods. When the kidneys are not able to properly filter these waste products out of the blood, they can accumulate and cause a high comp metabolic panel.

* Liver disease: High levels of liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), can indicate liver disease. These enzymes are normally found inside liver cells, but when the liver is damaged, they can leak into the blood.

* Diabetes: High levels of glucose in the blood can indicate diabetes. Glucose is a type of sugar that is the body's main source of energy. When the body is unable to properly use glucose, it can build up in the blood and cause a high comp metabolic panel.

* Electrolyte imbalances: High or low levels of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, can indicate an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals that help to regulate the balance of fluids in the body and the function of muscles and nerves.

A high comp metabolic panel can also be caused by certain medications, such as diuretics, which can cause the kidneys to lose too much fluid and electrolytes.

If your comp metabolic panel is high, your doctor will order further tests to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan.