Creatine Kinase

Also known as Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Creatine Kinase

What is Creatine Kinase?

Creatinine Kinase test is used to measure the amount of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood. CK is an enzyme found primarily in the brain, skeletal muscles, and heart. A CK test is usually done in case of muscle weakness and muscle aches. It may also aid in diagnosing a heart attack. Also, a CK test may be advised if a person experiences dark-colored urine for a longer duration of time.

High CK levels can indicate recent muscle damage. Significant increase in CK levels may depend on the severity of muscle damage. Moderately increased CK levels may be due to strenuous exercises such as weight lifting or long exercise sessions.

What is Creatine Kinase used for?

The Creatine Kinase Test is done:

In case of muscle weakness and muscle aches
In the case of dark urine
To monitor for muscle injury resolution
To detect myocardial infarction

Interpreting Creatine Kinase results

Interpretations

The levels for Creatine Kinase in males are usually less than 171 U/L and in females are less than 145 U/L.

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

A high Creatinine Kinase (CK) generally indicates that there has been recent muscle damage but does not indicate it's exact cause and location. Serial test results that peak and then begin to drop indicate that new muscle damage has diminished while increasing or persistent elevations suggest continued damage
Chest pain and increased CK levels indicate that it is likely that a person has recently had a heart attack
Moderately increased levels may be seen after strenuous exercise, weight lifting
Normal Ck levels indicate that there has been no muscle damage

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Creatine Kinase

Frequently Asked Questions about Creatine Kinase

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

Q. In which conditions increased Creatine Kinase levels can be seen?

The increased levels of creatine kinase can be seen in case of inherited myopathies, such as muscular dystrophy, trauma, burns, electrocution, and compression muscle injuries. Hormonal disorders such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, or Cushing disease and can also increase the levels of creatine kinase in the body. These increased levels can also be the result of strenuous exercise, prolonged surgeries, seizures, viral infections, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, fungal infections, connective tissue disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, renal disease, thrombosis. Along with that, the levels of creatine kinase may increase if there is any effect on the production of muscle energy or there is an increase in requirement of energy with the use any medicine.

Q. What is Rhabdomyolysis?

The rapid breakdown of muscle tissue is known as rhabdomyolysis. It occurs when there is serious physical, chemical, or biological injury to muscles. It may happen due to trauma, crushing injuries, high voltage electrical shock, serious burns, thrombosis, and toxins (e.g., heavy metals, snake venom, and carbon monoxide). Other reasons which can cause rhabdomyolysis include infections, inherited genetic and metabolic disorders affecting muscle, and muscular dystrophy. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and drug abuse can equally be a reason for developing rhabdomyolysis.

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