Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is one blood draw that gives 14 measurements, including markers of kidney and liver health, blood glucose, and electrolytes (MedlinePlus). Before GLP-1 treatment, it is commonly used as a general check of kidney and liver function. Cash prices ran $36 to $50.10 as of September 23, 2026.
What does a CMP measure?
MedlinePlus lists these 14 measurements (MedlinePlus):
- Glucose, the sugar level in your blood
- Electrolytes and minerals: sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate (carbon dioxide), and calcium
- Kidney markers: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
- Liver markers: ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin
- Proteins: albumin and total protein
Many labs also report an eGFR, an estimate of how well the kidneys filter, calculated from creatinine.
Why is a CMP commonly ordered before a GLP-1?
The CMP covers two areas that come up often in GLP-1 care: the kidneys and the liver.
- Kidneys. The Wegovy and Zepbound labels report acute kidney injury in some patients, mostly after vomiting, diarrhea, or other side effects that led to dehydration. The labels say to monitor kidney function in people who report those side effects, especially when starting or raising the dose (Wegovy prescribing information, section 5.5) (Zepbound prescribing information, section 5.3). A baseline creatinine and eGFR give a starting point for comparison.
- Guidelines. The ADA’s initial evaluation for people with diabetes includes liver function tests and serum creatinine with eGFR (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 4, Table 4.1). A clinical review on evaluating adults with obesity lists liver function tests as well (Dobbie et al., 2023).
How do I prepare for a CMP?
MedlinePlus says you may need to fast for several hours (MedlinePlus). Walk-In Lab’s CMP product page lists a 12 hour fast. Follow the instructions from the ordering provider, and ask whether to take your usual medicines.
How much does a CMP cost without insurance?
| Where | Test price | Required fee | Total | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-In Lab | $30 | $6 | $36 | View at Walk-In Lab |
| Personalabs | $44 | None listed | $44 | View at Personalabs |
| HealthLabs.com | $39 | None listed | $39 | View at HealthLabs.com |
| Private MD Labs | $39 | None listed | $39 | View at Private MD Labs |
| Quest (questhealth.com) | $44.10 | $6 | $50.10 | View at Quest (questhealth.com) |
Prices last checked September 23, 2026 on each company's own website. Prices change often, and sales come and go, so confirm the price at checkout. Totals add one required fee per order. Not checked: Labcorp OnDemand (site unavailable on the check date).
Frequently asked questions
- What is included in a CMP?
- A CMP measures 14 things: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate (carbon dioxide), chloride, albumin, total protein, ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin, BUN, and creatinine, according to MedlinePlus. Many labs also report an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from creatinine.
- Do I need to fast before a CMP?
- You may need to fast for several hours before a CMP, according to MedlinePlus. Some sellers list a 12 hour fast on their product pages. Follow the instructions from whoever orders the test.
- How much does a CMP cost without insurance?
- Across the online providers we checked, a CMP cost between $36 and $50.10 including any required fee. See the dated price table on this page.
Sources
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Checked September 23, 2026.
- 4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026 (Table 4.1). American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1):S61 to S88. Checked September 23, 2026.
- Clinical evaluation of patients living with obesity (Dobbie LJ, Coelho C, Crane J, McGowan B). Internal and Emergency Medicine, 2023. Checked September 23, 2026.
- WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection and tablets, Prescribing Information (revised 06/2026). Novo Nordisk / U.S. FDA. Checked September 23, 2026.
- ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection, Prescribing Information (revised 08/2026). Eli Lilly / U.S. FDA. Checked September 23, 2026.