Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase Isoenzyme MB (CPK-MB)
This test measures a specific form of the enzyme creatine phosphokinase (CPK), which is found in heart muscle and some other tissues. It helps assess damage to heart tissue after a heart attack or other heart-related events.
["This test can help doctors check for heart muscle injury or monitor recovery after a heart event."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53803-3
- Short code
- CDT
- Synonyms
- CDT Pnl SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top, or red-top tube without anticoagulant); plasma may be collected in lithium heparin or EDTA tubes.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1.7
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), or Isoelectric Focusing (IEF)
- CPT
- 82373
- SNOMED
- 395147008
- Specimen volume
- 1–2 mL of serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL).
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable at room temperature (15–25°C) for up to 7 days; refrigerated (2–8°C) for up to 14 days; frozen (-20°C or lower) for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
CPK-MB is one of several forms of creatine phosphokinase (also called CK or CPK), an enzyme that helps produce energy in cells. In the heart, CPK-MB is primarily found in heart muscle cells. When these cells are damaged—such as during a heart attack—the enzyme leaks into the bloodstream, making it detectable in a blood test.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like a heart attack, heart muscle inflammation, or other heart-related issues. It can also help determine how well your heart is healing after treatment.
When Is This Test Typically Done?
This test is often performed as part of a series of blood tests after symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of heart trouble. It may also be done regularly if you have a history of heart disease or are at risk for heart problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test, but this depends on your doctor’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
Reference range
Reported as the percentage of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) relative to total transferrin. Reference range typically: <1.7% (varies by methodology). Components typically include: Asialo-, Monosialo-, Disialo-, Trisialo-, Tetrasialo-, Pentasialo-, and Hexasialo-transferrin isoforms.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should abstain from alcohol for at least 1–2 weeks prior to testing to avoid false-positive elevations of CDT. Patient should be informed of testing purpose and provide consent when required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CPK-MB Serum
Frequently asked questions
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
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 11, 2026. · Read our editorial policy