Creatine Kinase

Test Code

Alias/See Also

CPK
Creatine Phosphokinase

CPT Codes
82550

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL plasma collected in a PST (LiHeparin tube)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma - EDTA (lavendar)

Serum - SST

Red top

or Tiger top

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 2 days at 15 - 25°C
Refrigerated: 7 days at 2 - 8°C
Frozen: 4 weeks at -15°C to -25°C

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

Samples must be labeled with patient's complete first and last name and date of birth.
The collection time needs to be indicated on the tube or requisition.
Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, and icteric are unacceptable.

Methodology
Enzymatic

Setup Schedule

Sun - Sat

Report Available

Same Day

Reference Range

30 - 223 U/L

Clinical Significance

The CK enzyme is a dimer composed of subunits derived from either muscle (M) or brain (B). Three isoenzymes have been identified: MM, MB, and BB. Normal serum CK is predominantly the CK-MM isoenzyme. Elevated CK-serum levels are found in skeletal muscle disease, particularly muscular dystrophy. The CK-MB fraction is found primarily in myocardial tissue and its presence is generally detected within the 48-hour period following the onset of a myocardial infarction. The use of total CK and CK-MB in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction is the most important single application of CK measurement in clinical chemistry. Serum CK activity is also increased after cerebral ischemia, acute cerebrovascular disease, and head injury.

Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Last Updated: October 24, 2024

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.