Creatine Phosphokinase

Test Code

CPK

Alias/See Also

CK, Creatine Kinase

CPT Codes
82550

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Instructions

This test is for measurement of Total CPK on Plasma or Serum. For measurement of the CK isoenzyme CK-MB on Plasma or Serum, order IMBS. For measurement of CPK on Body Fluids, order MISCK.

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 4 hours; Refrigerated - 5 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis, Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Carbon dioxide at a level of 40 mmol/L may cause up to a 30% negative bias in creatine kinase.

Reference Range

Females: 35 - 135 U/L
Males: 55 - 170 U/L

Clinical Significance

Creatine kinase, also referred to as creatine phosphokinase, is a cellular enzyme with a wide tissue distribution. CK is found mainly in skeletal and cardiac muscle. CK’s physiological role is associated with ATP generation for contractile or transport systems. Serum CK is almost always increased following acute myocardial infarction or skeletal muscle damage. The enzyme is commonly elevated in myocarditis of any cause, cerebrovascular accidents, rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, and acute physical exertion. CK is also increased in the muscular dystrophies; in Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, CK elevations of 20–200 times normal are common. Low CK may reflect decreased muscle mass or muscle wasting. Reference values for CK must consider the age, gender, and physical activity of the person. Low serum CK activities are common in the elderly, in the bedridden, and in patients with advanced malignancy.

This test is for measurement of Total CPK on Plasma or Serum. For measurement of the CK isoenzyme CK-MB on Plasma or Serum, order IMBS. For measurement of CPK on Body Fluids, order MISCK.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.