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Creatine Kinase

(CPK)

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Overview

What is CPK?

Creatine Kinase (CK) Test is also known as Total CK, Creatine Phosphokinase, and CPK Test. This test is done to detect and monitor damage to muscle. It is also done to diagnose conditions which are associated with muscle damage and to detect any possible case of heart attack.

Why is CPK done?

The Creatine Kinase Test is done:

In case of muscle weakness and muscle aches
In the case of dark urine
To monitor for muscle injury resolution

What does CPK Measure?

The Creatine Kinase Test measures the levels of Creatine Kinase in the blood. Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme which is found in the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. In case of muscle damage, increased amounts of CK are released into the blood.

In the blood, normally small amount of CK is present which comes from the skeletal muscles primarily. In case of any damage to the muscle or interference with the production of muscle, energy can lead to increased levels of CK. Also, these levels may rise if there is any change with the use of muscle energy. The examples of such conditions include strenuous exercise and myositis (inflammation of muscles).

Muscle diseases (myopathies) such as muscle dystrophy can also lead to an increase in the levels of CK. However, significantly high levels of CK are observed in Rhabdomyolysis which there is an extreme breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue.

Interpreting CPK results

Interpretations

The levels for Creatine Kinase in males are usually less than 171 U/L and in females are less than 145 U/L.

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

A high Creatinine Kinase (CK) generally indicates that there has been recent muscle damage but does not indicate it's exact cause and location. Serial test results that peak and then begin to drop indicate that new muscle damage has diminished while increasing or persistent elevations suggest continued damage
Chest pain and increased CK levels indicate that it is likely that a person has recently had a heart attack
Moderately increased levels may be seen after strenuous exercise, weight lifting
Normal Ck levels indicate that there has been no muscle damage

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CPK

Frequently Asked Questions about Creatine Kinase

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

Q. In which conditions increased Creatine Kinase levels can be seen?

The increased levels of creatine kinase can be seen in case of inherited myopathies, such as muscular dystrophy, trauma, burns, electrocution, and compression muscle injuries. Hormonal disorders such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, or Cushing disease and can also increase the levels of creatine kinase in the body. These increased levels can also be the result of strenuous exercise, prolonged surgeries, seizures, viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, fungal infections, connective tissue disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, renal disease, thrombosis. Along with that, the levels of creatine kinase may increase if there is any effect on the production of muscle energy or there is an increase in requirement of energy with the use any medicine.

Q. What is Rhabdomyolysis?

The rapid breakdown of muscle tissue is known as rhabdomyolysis. It occurs when there is serious physical, chemical, or biological injury to muscles. It may happen due to trauma, crushing injuries, high voltage electrical shock, serious burns, thrombosis, and toxins (e.g., heavy metals, snake venom, and carbon monoxide). Other reasons which can cause rhabdomyolysis include infections, inherited genetic and metabolic disorders affecting muscle, and muscular dystrophy. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and drug abuse can equally be a reason for developing rhabdomyolysis.

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