Cpk test : everything about creatine phosphokinase test

What Is CPK Test?

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is responsible for the phosphorylation of creatine. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in muscle function. The CPK blood test is a type of test that measures the levels of this enzyme in your blood. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) can also be called phosphocreatine kinase or creatine kinase (CK). CPK can be broken down into three distinct parts.

• CPK-1 is commonly found in your brain and lungs
• CPK-2 is present in your heart
• CPK-3 is primarily found in skeletal muscle

Due to disease or injury, these parts of your body could be damaged. As a result, CPK enzymes could be released into your bloodstream. The CPK test or CK blood test measures the levels of these enzymes in your blood. By checking the values of the test, your doctor can identify which areas of your body have been damaged.

The cost of the CPK test is Rs. 400 to Rs. 900 depending on your location and place.

Please check the price of the CPK blood test in Delhi/NCR, your nearby centers and other details.

Creatine Phosphokinase Blood Test Summary

CPK blood test full form  Creatine phosphokinase test

Also known as	Phosphocreatine kinase, creatine kinase (CK).
Test Type	Blood
ALT test includes	Which area of your body is damaged
Preparation	Doesn’t demand any special preparation
Reporting	Within 24 hrs
Test price	The cost of the CPK test is Rs. 400 to Rs. 900 depending on your location and place.
Also included in	Health Insurance Plans
Related tests	CBC, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

 

What Is CPK Test Done For?

A CPK isoenzymes test is performed in the ICU or emergency rooms especially if you are having a heart attack. Some of the primary CPK test uses for which your doctor may recommend this test,

• If you are suffering from a heart attack
• Identify the exact cause of your chest pain
• Check how much heart or muscle tissue has been damaged

Another of CPK test uses is that this test can also decide whether you are having the gene for muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a disease where you experience muscle loss and weakness over time. A CPK isoenzymes test (CPK enzyme test) can also detect multifarious muscle diseases or issues, including

• Dermatomyositis (an inflammatory disease that influences the skin and muscles)
• Polymyositis (an inflammatory disease that is responsible for muscle weakness)
• Malignant hyperthermia (an inherited disease that causes muscle contractions)
• Other health issues due to muscle breakdown, such as over-exercising, certain medications, or protracted seizures

Creatine Phosphokinase Test Preparation

Creatine Phosphokinase Test (CPK test) is just like another blood test and thus, it doesn’t demand any fasting or special preparation. If you are consuming any over-the-counter and prescription medications, inform your doctor about the same. CPK levels could be elevated due to some medications. These medications could be,

• Medicines that minimize your cholesterol level
• Steroids
• Anesthetics
• Amphotericin B (an antifungal medication)
• Alcohol
• Cocaine

Other factors that will uplift the levels of CPK are,

• Forceful exercise
• A recent surgery
• Intramuscular injections like vaccines
• Cardiac catheterization (when a catheter is inserted into a vein in your arm, groin, or neck and threaded to your heart)

Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any of the above events

Creatine Phosphokinase Test Procedure

• After reaching the nearby lab or a diagnostic center, a healthcare provider will use a topical antiseptic to clean the area of your arm.
• The person will tie an elastic band around your upper arm to identify your vein
• Then, by inserting a needle, he will collect your blood sample into a small vial.
• Once the vial is filled, the healthcare professional will remove the needle and elastic band.
• He will apply a bandage or gauze at the puncture site
• The vial will be sent to a laboratory for a detailed analysis

Also Read : All about Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Blood Test

CPK Test Results Interpretation

When you have creatine phosphokinase high in blood, it indicates that you have muscle damage or stress. As explained earlier, CPK is an enzyme found in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. When these tissues are injured or stressed, CPK enzyme leaks into the blood. High CPK in blood test levels can be caused by muscle injuries, heart attacks, strenuous exercise, or certain medicines.

Following is a detailed analysis of the various CPK in blood test levels :

CPK-1

CPK-1 is mainly present in your brain and lungs. Elevated CPK-1 levels could imply

• A brain injury due to a stroke
• A seizure
• Brain tumor or cancer
• Death of lung tissue
• A pulmonary infarction

CPK-2

CPK-2 is present in your heart. Elevated levels of CPK-2 could be

• A heart injury due to an accident
• Heart muscle inflammation due to a virus
• An electrical injury
• A heart attack

If you get a heart attack, your CPK-2 levels may elevate, but they usually come down within 48 hours.

CPK-3

CPK-3 is commonly present in your skeletal muscle. CPK-3 levels may increase due to,

• Damage from a crush injury
• A sedentary lifestyle for an extended period
• Damaged by illegal drug use
• Muscles are inflamed

Other factors that might uplift CPK-3 levels are

• Muscular dystrophy
• Seizures
• Muscle trauma

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