Creatine Kinase
CK
Description
"Creatine Kinase" (CK) test measures the level of this enzyme in your blood to evaluate muscle, heart, or brain tissue health. It’s often recommended to investigate muscle injuries, track muscular dystrophy, or evaluate damage after a heart attack. Elevated levels may signal strain, trauma, or disease affecting muscle fibers. Doctors use the results to confirm diagnoses, guide treatment, and monitor recovery. Regular CK testing helps track healing and support long-term neuromuscular and cardiac health.
Category
Enzymes
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Units Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Enzyme Group, Mitochondrial Function Group
Test Group Description
Enzyme Group: Evaluates enzyme levels and activity, offering insights into enzymatic function and related health conditions. Mitochondrial Function Group: This group evaluates various aspects of mitochondrial health and function, offering insights into cellular energy metabolism and potential mitochondrial disorders.
Optimal Range
For Men:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
For Women:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For Men:
Conventional Unit: 49–439 U/L
SI Unit: 0.82–7.33 µkat/L
For Women:
Conventional Unit: 32–182 U/L
SI Unit: 0.53–3.03 µkat/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
High levels of CK-MM enzymes [Muscle damage, Exercise, Rhabdomyolysis, Muscular dystrophy, Hypokalemia, Hyponatremia, Myositis, Medication use]
High levels of CK-MB enzymes [Excessive exercise, Myocarditis, Muscular dystrophy, Heart attack, Arrhythmias]
High levels of CK-BB enzymes [Brain injury, Stroke, Adenocarcinoma]
Hypothyroidism
- ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Muscle Damage: Detects elevated CK levels caused by muscle injury, trauma, or intense exercise.
Muscle Disorders: Aids in diagnosing conditions like muscular dystrophy, myositis, or rhabdomyolysis.
Statin Monitoring: Tracks CK levels to detect statin-induced muscle injury.
Cardiac Health: Identifies myocardial damage, such as during a heart attack.
Exercise Stress: Reflects exercise-induced muscle stress in athletes.
Treatment Monitoring: Evaluates changes in CK levels to assess treatment effectiveness.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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