Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Patient Guide to This Blood Test
A blood test panel that helps doctors evaluate and manage anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
{"Measures key blood parameters to assess anemia severity in kidney disease patients","Includes tests for hemoglobin, iron stores, and iron availability","Helps guide treatment decisions for ESRD-related anemia","Requires a blood sample drawn from a vein","Results help doctors monitor response to anemia treatments"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70299-3
- Short code
- ESRDAN
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) for chemistry components; EDTA (lavender-top) tube for hemoglobin/hematocrit if included
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 15.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Panel includes immunoassay, spectrophotometry, and automated hematology analyzer methods
- CPT
- 80061 (lipid); individual CPT codes apply per component (e.g., 83540 iron, 83550 ferritin, 82565 creatinine, 84520 BUN)
- SNOMED
- 39579001 (anemia panel)
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL total (2 SST tubes and 1 EDTA tube)
- Stability
- Serum: 8 hours at room temperature, 48 hours at 2-8°C; EDTA whole blood: 24 hours at room temperature for CBC
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and why might my care team order it for me?
The ESRD Anemia Management Panel is a group of blood tests designed specifically for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure. This panel helps healthcare providers assess and manage anemia—a common complication of kidney disease where the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells.
What does this panel test for, and which substances in my blood does it measure?
This test panel typically includes measurements of: Hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), Iron (essential for making hemoglobin), Ferritin (a protein that stores iron in your body), and Transferrin Saturation (TSAT, showing how much iron is available for use). These tests together give your doctor a complete picture of your iron status and how well your body is producing red blood cells.
Why is this test important for ESRD patients, and how do the results help guide my kidney care?
When kidneys fail, they can no longer produce enough erythropoietin (EPO)—a hormone that tells your bone marrow to make red blood cells. This leads to anemia. Additionally, ESRD patients often have iron deficiency. Regular monitoring through this panel helps your healthcare team determine if you need iron supplements, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), or blood transfusions to manage your anemia effectively.
How is the test performed, and what should I expect during the blood draw?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test, but follow any specific instructions your doctor provides.
Reference range
Component-specific reference ranges apply. Hemoglobin: 12.0-15.5 g/dL (female), 13.5-17.5 g/dL (male). Ferritin: 12-150 ng/mL (female), 12-300 ng/mL (male). Transferrin saturation: 20-50%. Serum iron: 60-170 mcg/dL. TIBC: 240-450 mcg/dL. BUN: 7-20 mg/dL. Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL (female), 0.7-1.3 mg/dL (male).N/A
No fasting required. Patients on dialysis should be tested before dialysis session when possible. Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours prior to iron studies if clinically feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This panel is essential for diagnosing and monitoring anemia in ESRD patients. Low hemoglobin levels indicate anemia severity, while iron studies (ferritin and TSAT) help determine if iron supplementation is needed. Regular testing helps prevent complications of untreated anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, heart problems, and reduced quality of life. The results guide personalized treatment plans and help assess whether current therapies are working effectively.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need this test?
What do abnormal results mean?
Does this test require special preparation?
What are the risks of the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy