What is the Difference Between CK and CPK Blood Test?

The main difference between CK and CPK blood tests lies in their names and reference ranges, as both tests measure the same enzyme, creatine kinase (CK), also known as creatine phosphokinase (CPK). CK is an enzyme found primarily in skeletal muscles, heart muscle, and small amounts in the brain. These tests are used to diagnose and monitor muscle injuries, heart attacks, and other conditions related to muscle, heart, or brain tissues.

Both CK and CPK tests:

• Measure the presence of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood.
• Are used to diagnose and monitor muscle injuries, heart attacks, and other conditions related to muscle, heart, or brain tissues.
• Do not require fasting or any other special requirement prior to taking blood.
• Show higher enzyme levels in males than females.

The key difference is in the reference ranges for each test:

• For females, the limit for the CK test is 20-207 units per liter, while the limit for the CPK test is 26-192 units per liter.
• For males, the limit for the CK test is 20-395 units per liter, and the limit for the CPK test is 39-308 units per liter.

In summary, there is no significant difference between CK and CPK blood tests in terms of their purpose or the enzyme they measure. The main difference lies in the reference ranges for each test, which are slightly different for males and females.

Comparative Table: CK vs CPK Blood Test

The main difference between CK and CPK blood tests is that CK (creatine kinase) tests detect the presence of creatine kinase, while CPK (creatine phosphokinase) tests detect the presence of creatine phosphokinase in the blood. Both of these enzymes are mainly found in the skeletal muscles, heart, and brain, and catalyze the conversion of creatine using ATP to make phosphocreatine and ADP. Here is a summary of the differences between the two tests:

Both tests are used to diagnose heart attack, assess muscle damage, and check for muscular dystrophy. They do not require fasting or any other special requirement prior to taking blood. Conditions such as medical interventions, over-exercising, and some medicines can increase levels of CK and CPK in the test results. In both tests, males show a higher amount of enzyme levels than females.