CPK
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Creatine phosphokinase |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CPK stands for Creatine phosphokinase, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Traditional name for creatine kinase, still used on many US order sets and in conversation, especially when discussing rhabdomyolysis or statin muscle side effects. It measures the same enzyme with the same reference ranges as CK.
Example: Trend CPK daily until it falls below 5,000 and urine clears.
Usage notes
The enzyme transfers a phosphate group from phosphocreatine to ADP, which is where the "phospho" in the old name came from. In rhabdomyolysis, released myoglobin turns urine tea-colored and makes the dipstick read positive for blood even though no red cells are seen on microscopy. Peak levels usually occur one to three days after the muscle injury.
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- CK – Creatine kinase
- CK-MB – Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme
- Cl – Chloride
- CLIA – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
- CMP – Comprehensive metabolic panel
- CO2 – Total carbon dioxide (serum bicarbonate)
- Cr – Creatinine
- CrCl – Creatinine clearance
- CRP – C-reactive protein
- CSF – Cerebrospinal fluid
- DAT – Direct antiglobulin test
- DBili – Direct bilirubin
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.