Creatinine Phosphokinase (CPK) Isoenzyme MB (MB-CPK) – Serum
This test measures the MB isoenzyme of Creatine Phosphokinase, an enzyme released when heart muscle is damaged.
["Assesses heart injury risk with a focus on specific heart muscle damage markers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 85828-2
- Short code
- OXA58PCR
- Synonyms
- blaOXA-58-like Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or appropriate culture transport medium; for serum, use serum separator tube (SST) or sterile red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87150 (Culture, typing); 87798 (Amplified probe technique, organism detection); 87153 (Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular)
- SNOMED
- 122450008 | Microbial culture AND identification (procedure)|; 397428000 | Detection of bacterial resistance gene (procedure)|
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of serum or appropriate clinical isolate material
- Stability
- Serum: Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below) for up to 30 days. Clinical isolates should be processed within 24 hours of collection when possible.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is CPK-MB?
CPK-MB is one of three isoenzymes of the enzyme Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), which helps convert energy in cells. The MB isoenzyme is primarily found in heart muscle cells. When heart tissue is injured, CPK-MB leaks into the bloodstream, making it useful for detecting heart damage.
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order CPK-MB testing to evaluate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. It can also help diagnose conditions such as a heart attack, heart surgery complications, or other cardiac issues.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis to measure the levels of CPK-MB in your serum.
What Do Results Mean?
Elevated levels of CPK-MB may indicate recent or ongoing heart muscle damage. However, results alone cannot confirm a diagnosis without clinical correlation. Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and other test results for interpretation.
Reference range
Negative (blaOXA-58-like gene not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy when possible to maximize yield.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CPK-MB (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for CPK-MB levels to return to normal after a heart event?
Can CPK-MB levels be elevated for reasons other than heart damage?
What should I do if my CPK-MB test results are abnormal?
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