Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase (CPK) Isoenzyme Activity (Total)
This test measures the total 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 helps identify muscle or heart injury by detecting elevated enzyme levels in the blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88456-9
- Short code
- CALEVG
- Synonyms
- CEV IgG+IgM Ser IF-Imp
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; transfer serum to sterile transport tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence (IFA)
- CPT
- 86651
- SNOMED
- 122375008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)?
CPK, or Creatine Kinase, is an enzyme that plays a role in energy production in cells. It exists in three main forms (CPK-MB, MM, and BB), with the total CPK combining all three. Elevated CPK levels often signal muscle or heart damage.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your doctor may order this test to evaluate symptoms like muscle weakness, chest pain, or unexplained fatigue, which could indicate muscle injury, heart problems, or other conditions affecting these tissues.
Common Causes of Elevated CPK
High CPK levels can result from muscle injuries (e.g., from exercise, trauma, or overuse), heart attacks, or certain medical conditions like myopathies or infections.
What Does a High or Low CPK Level Mean?
Elevated CPK may suggest recent muscle damage or heart issues, while very low levels could indicate muscle disorders or certain metabolic conditions. Results are interpreted in context with symptoms and other tests.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable IgG or IgM antibodies to California encephalitis virus. Positive: IgG and/or IgM antibodies detected, suggesting past exposure or acute infection.N/A
No fasting required. Avoid hemolyzed, lipemic, or grossly contaminated specimens as they may interfere with immunofluorescence testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total CPK Activity
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Can I take anything before the test?
What are the most common side effects of this 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy