Test Description

A creatine kinase (CK) test may be used to detect inflammation of muscles (myositis) or serious muscle damage and/or to diagnose rhabdomyolysis if a person has signs and symptoms, such as muscle weakness, muscle aches, and dark urine. The urine may be dark because of the presence of myoglobin, another substance released by damaged muscles that can be harmful to the kidneys.

When should this test be ordered?
A CK test may be ordered whenever muscle damage is suspected and at regular intervals to monitor for continued damage. It may be ordered when someone has experienced physical trauma, such as crushing injuries or extensive burns. The test may be ordered when a person has symptoms associated with muscle injury such as muscle pain or weakness and when a person has nonspecific symptoms, especially when taking a drug or after an exposure to a substance that has been linked with potential muscle damage.
High Risk · Male: <= 54 (U/L) & >= 171 (U/L); Female: <= 29 (U/L) & >= 136 (U/L)
A high CK, or one that goes up from the first to the second or later samples, generally indicates that there has been some recent muscle damage but will not indicate its location or cause. People may have CK levels that are significantly to greatly increased, depending upon muscle damage severity.
Borderline Risk ·
Not applicable for this test.
Low Risk · Male: 55-170 (U/L); Female: 20-135 (U/L)
Within Reference Range.
Testing Method Used
Photometrical Absorbance.

Sample is stable for 7 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
CK levels are a reflection of muscle damage. Temporary increases are seen with strenuous exercise but are not typically a concern unless severe or combined with extreme heat or humidity. An Increase in CK that is due to exposure to a toxin or a drug can be resolved by avoiding the toxin and/or potentially stopping taking the drug or changing it. You should not, however, stop taking a medication without first consulting with your doctor. Increases in CK that are due to an underlying disease, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, may resolve by controlling the condition.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Bong, S.; Moon, J.; Nam, K.; Lee, K.; Chi, Y.; Hwang, K. (2008). “Structural studies of human brain-type creatine kinase complexed with the ADP–Mg2+–NO3−–creatine transition-state analogue complex”.

2. Johnsen SH; Wilsgaard T; Bekkelund SI (January 2011). “Creatine kinase activity and blood pressure in a normal population: the Tromsø study”. Journal of Hypertension 29 (1): 36–42.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.