Hello! 😊
Are you ready for a gentle review of routine lab numbers?

The previous post reviewed the purpose of each of the 20 lab markers or measurements in an SMA-20 panel (Sequential Multiple Analyzer panel), also known as a CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). The SMA-20 or CMP measures key electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, glucose, and proteins.

Too often, healthcare providers list these tests and numbers quickly, expecting patients to fully understand what they mean. The goal of sharing this information is to help you better understand these markers and the significance of any abnormal values. It’s hard to make informed changes—or ask meaningful questions—if we don’t fully understand what the targets are.

Below are normal adult reference ranges, provided for general educational purposes. Please note that ranges may vary slightly between laboratories and publications:

Glucose (fasting): 70–100 mg/dL
Sodium (Na+): 136–145 mEq/L
Potassium (K+): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
Chloride (Cl–): 95–105 mEq/L
CO₂ (Bicarbonate): 22–28 mEq/L
BUN: 7–20 mg/dL
Creatinine: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
Calcium (total): 8.4–10.2 mg/dL
Phosphorus: 3.0–4.5 mg/dL
Magnesium: 1.5–2.0 mg/dL
Total Protein: 6.0–7.8 g/dL
Albumin: 3.5–5.5 g/dL
Globulin: 2.3–3.5 g/dL
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): 10–40 U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): 12–38 U/L

I hope this helps you feel better equipped to ask your healthcare provider questions about your SMA-20 lab results and to better understand what your numbers may be telling you.