Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase (CPK) Isoenzyme Analysis (Total CPK)
This test measures the total activity of Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme found in heart, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells. It helps assess muscle damage or heart-related conditions.
["CPK levels can indicate muscle or heart injury and guide treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49141-5
- Short code
- CALEV IGM
- Synonyms
- CEV IgM Titr Ser IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86651
- SNOMED
- 313678003
- Specimen volume
- 1–2 mL serum
- Stability
- Stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What CPK Does in Your Body
CPK is an enzyme that plays a role in energy production in cells. When muscle or heart tissue is damaged, CPK leaks into the bloodstream, raising its levels. This can signal conditions like muscle strain, heart attacks, or other injuries.
Why This Test Matters
Elevated CPK levels often signal recent muscle injury or heart problems. Doctors use this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like myopathies, rhabdomyolysis, or heart attacks, helping them plan care and treatment.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High CPK levels may result from muscle injuries (e.g., overexertion, trauma), heart attacks, or certain medications. Low levels are less common but could indicate muscle wasting or certain metabolic disorders.
When You Might Need This Test
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, or chest discomfort. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like heart disease, muscle disorders, or after trauma.
Reference range
Titer <1:10: Negative; Titer 1:10–1:40: Equivocal; Titer ≥1:80: Positive indicating recent or acute infectionN/A
No fasting required. Avoid hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric specimens as they may interfere with immunofluorescence results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total CPK
Frequently asked questions
What does a high CPK level mean for my health?
Can CPK levels be affected by diet or exercise?
How soon after an injury or event should I expect 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy