Serum Creatinine Phosphokinase (CPK) Isoenzyme Assay (Total CPK)
This test measures the total level of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme found in heart, muscle, and brain tissues. CPK helps assess muscle damage, heart injury, or other conditions affecting these organs.
["CPK levels can indicate damage to muscles, heart, or nerves."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9933-3
- Short code
- Q wave Dpth L-V3
- Synonyms
- Q wave Dpth L-V3
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ekg
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order this test to evaluate symptoms like muscle weakness, chest pain, or unexplained fatigue. It can also help diagnose conditions such as heart attacks, muscle injuries, or neurological disorders.
Common Reasons for Testing
Common reasons include monitoring muscle health post-injury or surgery, checking for heart-related issues, or investigating unexplained muscle weakness or pain.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if blood is drawn from your vein. Avoid strenuous exercise or consuming certain medications that could affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. This test is typically done in a clinical setting.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CPK levels may suggest muscle damage, heart attack, or other conditions causing tissue injury. Lower-than-normal levels might indicate muscle wasting or certain metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for accurate interpretation.
Short name
Total Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high CPK level mean?
What does a low CPK level mean?
How often should I get 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy