Today we explore the importance of a CPK blood test and everything that you need to know about why and how a CPK test is done. A CPK test is commonly done in order to detect any potential damages that have happened in our brain, heart, skeletal muscles, and lungs. Use the following article to inform yourself about everything that you need to know about the CPK blood test and the importance of CPK test normal range.
What Is The Purpose Of A CPK Blood Test?
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found in your brain, skeletal muscles, and your heart. When there is muscular damage, CPK leaks into the blood. When an event of this kind is suspected, a CPK blood test is performed in order to measure the CPK levels in your blood. Most commonly, a serum CPK test is ordered whenever the patient is showing symptoms of a heart attack, or he/she is complaining of chest pain.
The CPK blood test is also commonly used to detect the presence of the gene responsible for the development of muscular dystrophy later in life. A CPK blood test can also help diagnose various muscle diseases, including dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and other health issues linked to muscle breakdown.
What Are The Normal CPK Levels?
The normal CPK levels are known to variate according to age and sex. The CPK levels are measured in units per liter (U/L). For adult men, the normal levels of CPK are between 39 to 308 U/L, whereas for women, the normal CPK levels are between 26 to 192 U/L.
Normal CPK Levels For Adults
| Gender | CPK Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Adult Male | 39 to 308 U/L |
| Adult Female | 26 to 192 U/L |
How To Prepare For A CPK Blood Test?
The CPK lab test is like any other lab blood test, which means that it does not require any special preparation. Of course, it is essential that you inform your doctor about any prescribed and/or over-the-counter medication, including any dietary supplements that you have been taking. That is important because of the fact that certain medications, including anesthetics, steroids, antifungal medications, etc. are known to elevate the CPK levels in the blood even in healthy adults.
How Is A CPK Blood Test Done?
A CPK blood test is done at the hospital by a certified healthcare professional. It only takes a few moments, and it is not different from the usual blood test. The CPK test involves inserting a needle in a vein in your arm in order for a sample of your blood to be collected. The results are later sent over to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
Are There Any Potential Side-Effects After A CPK Blood Test?
Usually, no major side-effects are expected to happen after a CPK blood test. You may feel pain where the needle has been inserted into your arm, and some temporary bruising might develop in the next few days. Other than that, there is only a small risk that side-effects such as fainting, lightheadedness, infection, or excessive bleeding would happen.
What Do The Results Mean?
There are three different types of CPK – CPK-1, CPK-2, and CPK-3;
CPK-1 is found mainly in the lungs and the brain. Increased CPK-1 levels usually indicate a brain injury due to stroke, brain bleed, brain cancer, seizure, etc.
CPK-2 is found in the heart, and any increased CPK-2 levels are linked to an injury to the heart, a heart attack, inflammation of the heart muscle, etc.
CPK-3 is found in the skeletal muscles. Increased levels of CPK-3 point out to muscle trauma, muscular dystrophy, inflammation of the muscles, etc.
The results are known to vary from person to person, depending on different conditions and injuries that had led to the increased levels of CPK in the first place.
How Much Does A CPK Blood Test Cost?
Like the usual blood test, the cost of a CPK blood test is usually one that is affordable for anyone. The price for this test can vary from country to country, and it can be partially covered by medical insurance.
Conclusion
A CPK blood test will measure your CPK levels in the blood. It will help your doctor to form a proper diagnosis and continue to plan an effective treatment plan. The CPK test is easily performed within minutes, and it does not require any special preparation. Its cost is too small for all of the valuable details about your health that it can tell you. Do not hesitate to get your CPK levels checked.
Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing websites.
