Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase (CPK) Activity
This test measures the activity of Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme found in heart, skeletal muscle, and brain tissues. It helps assess muscle damage or heart-related conditions.
["CPK levels can signal muscle injury or heart stress."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86713-5
- Short code
- OXA134PCR
- Synonyms
- blaOXA-134-like Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container for bacterial isolate or clinical specimen; sterile transport medium (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium) for swab specimens; molecular-grade sterile tube for serum or body fluids.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87150
- SNOMED
- 418820008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum, body fluid, or tissue homogenate; or visible bacterial growth on culture media; minimum 0.5 mL for liquid specimens.
- Stability
- Serum specimens stable for 24 hours at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -70°C or below. Bacterial isolates stable for 7 days at 2-8°C. Transport to laboratory within 2 hours of collection at room temperature or refrigerated conditions.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)?
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), also called creatine kinase, is an enzyme that helps produce energy in cells. It’s naturally present in heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. When these tissues are damaged—such as from injury, illness, or overexertion—their CPK levels rise in the bloodstream, making this test useful for detecting damage.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order a CPK test to investigate symptoms like muscle weakness, pain, or heart issues. It can also help diagnose conditions like heart attacks, muscle disorders, or neurological problems.
Common Uses and Conditions
This test is often used alongside others to diagnose conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), muscular dystrophy, or stroke. Elevated CPK levels may also signal dehydration, severe exercise, or certain infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting 24 hours before testing to get the most accurate results.
Reference range
Negative for blaOXA-134-like gene (carbapenem resistance gene not detected). Result reported as Detected, Not Detected, or Indeterminate.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Ensure specimen is collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when possible to maximize pathogen detection. Follow standard infection control precautions during specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CPK Serum
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my CPK test results?
What does a high CPK level mean?
Can I take anything before my CPK test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy