Creatine phosphokinase - isoenzymes
Key points
- This blood test measures the isoenzymes (different forms) of creatine phosphokinase.
- The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band or blood pressure cuff) is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause veins below the tourniquet to fill with blood.
- The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet.
- The physical and psychological preparation involved in readying a child for any test or procedure depends on the child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
CPK isoenzymes; Creatine kinase - isoenzymes; CK - isoenzymes
Definition
This blood test measures the isoenzymes (different forms) of creatine phosphokinase.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band or blood pressure cuff) is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause veins below the tourniquet to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation and facilitate the collection of blood. Once the proper amount of blood has been drawn, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
Infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A piece of cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
This test may be repeated over 2 or 3 days for hospitalized patients. A significant rise or fall in the total CPK or CPK isoenzymes can be very helpful to health care providers for the diagnosis of certain conditions.
How to prepare for the test
Usually, no special preparation is necessary.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation involved in readying a child for any test or procedure depends on the child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information on how to prepare your child based on their age, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people may feel moderate pain, while others may feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.