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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.
Test Summary
| Also known as | Phosphocreatine kinase, creatine kinase (CK).
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| 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) |
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Why does your doctor recommend this test?
A CPK isoenzymes test is performed in the ICU or emergency rooms especially if you are having a heart attack. 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
The 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 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
The Test Preparation
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
The 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
The Interpretation of the Results
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 cancer or tumor
- 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
Most people don’t experience any serious side effects of this test. Some rare complications are, 1. Excessive bleeding This is a simple blood test and thus, it doesn’t need any special preparation like fasting. But if you are taking medications or supplements, then inform your doctor about the same. Creatine phosphokinase isoenzymes play a pivotal role in the intracellular energy transport from mitochondria to myofibrils and other sites. Phosphocreatine is typically created by the action of an enzyme, the creatine kinase. Phosphocreatine is converted into ATP during strenuous and short duration exercises like sprinting and weight lifting. By non-enzymatic degradation, creatine is converted into creatinine. The biological half-life of creatine is three hours. The levels of creatine kinase may elevate after a heart attack, skeletal muscle injury, or strenuous workout. The level may also increase if you consume too much alcohol or take certain medications. Creatine Phosphokinase Test FAQs
What are the side effects of this creatine phosphokinase test?
2. Dizziness or lightheadedness
3. Fainting
4. Skin infection at the puncture siteDoes the CPK test require fasting?
What is the function of Creatine phosphokinase?
Are creatine kinase and creatinine the same thing?
Why does creatine kinase increase?
