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Creatine Phosphokinase >>
Creatine Phosphokinase Test |
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Creatine Phosphokinase Test - Information on Reasons, Preparation and Procedure to Conduct Creatine Phosphokinase Test
Creatine Phosphokinase Test
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) or creatine kinase is an enzyme that is important in providing cells with high energy phosphocreatine molecules. CPK does this by catalyzing the reaction between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine. These phosphocreatine molecules are then used to power the biological functions of the cells. CPK is also closely linked to tissues of the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Different types of CPK enzyme are linked to specific tissues. For example, type MB is found in heart muscle, type BB in nervous tissue, while MM is found in skeletal muscles. The significance of this is that any rise of CPK in the blood can indicate muscular degeneration or damage. This happens because the muscle cells release CPK into the blood when they breakdown.
Why Creatine Phosphokinase Test is done
A simple blood test to determine creatine phosphokinase levels can help in early diagnosis of conditions such as dermatomyositis and polymyositis. CPK levels also help to identify patients suffering from chronic conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Studying the levels of specific types of CPK can help to study specific muscles types. For example, the levels of type MB CPK can help to determine reasons for chest pains or diagnose a heart attack.
How to prepare for Creatine Phosphokinase Test
In most cases, there are no special precautions. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours since it causes an artificial increase in CPK levels. Certain medications can also lead to a similar spike in blood creatine phosphokinase levels. This makes it important to share a list of all your medications with the doctor. If skeletal muscles are being investigated, it is advisable to avoid any intensive exercise for at least one day before the test. The reason is that minor muscle damage caused by exercise will artificially boost the CPK levels.
How Creatine Phosphokinase Test is done
Blood samples are drawn for the creatine phosphokinase test using standard procedures. The blood sample is then separated to create a section that has no cells. This is known as the serum. The CPK enzyme levels are measured and expressed in terms of units (U) of enzyme activity per liter (L) of serum. For most healthy adults the normal range is 20 to 200 U/L, depending upon factors such as race, age, and sex. Any abnormal levels of CPK indicate muscle tissue damage or stress. Doctors then study partciluar types of CPK to determine which organ in affected. Fluctuations in CPK levels are also helpful in diagnosing medical conditions, especially in cases of cardiac arrest.
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