The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP; CPT coe 80053) is a standard suite of 14 blood tests which serves as an initial broad screening tool for physicians. Because it is often ordered as a routine part of an annual physical examination or check up, over time the CMP provides an important baseline of a patient's basic physiology. Any changes or abnormal results, and in particular combinations of abnormal results, thus provides important initial data for differential diagnosis, in which case more specialized tests may be indicated. In and of itself, however, the CMP provides an important gross check on the status of kidney function, liver function, and electrolyte and fluid balance.