Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)

General Information:

A CPK test is a blood test that measures the amount of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) circulating in the blood. CPK is an enzyme found in skeletal muscle, the heart and the brain that is released when these organs become injured or damaged.

High CPK levels are often associated with conditions like a heart attack, a stroke or muscular injury. There are different types of CPK that can help to pinpoint where the damage is coming from.

While a CPK test is sensitive and results can identify certain abnormalities, this test is not wholly specific and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location and severity of damage. This is why CPK tests are often used alongside other test results to confirm a diagnosis. 

Sample required:

Venous blood in the morning in fasting

Keywords:

Creatine, phosphokinase, membrane fraction