A CK lab test is a blood test used to measure the level of CK or Creatine kinase in the blood. Creatine kinase is mainly a muscular enzyme. It also exists in the brain in smaller quantities. CK is used for energy production and storage by cells. When these tissues are damaged, it escapes into the bloodstream. The muscle's role is to contract and relax. Depending on the muscle type, this causes different actions. There are three types of muscles, which are grouped according to their distribution and properties:
- Skeletal muscles that move the body and control the opening and closing of passageways. Biceps and particular sphincter muscles are skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are voluntarily controlled.
- Cardiac muscles circulating blood; they can only be found in the heart.
- Smooth muscles that give elasticity and support to tissues. They are found under the skin, around the intestines, and in many other places.
The skeletal muscles and muscles of the heart are striated. This means they are organized as structural units repeating themselves. Skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles, unlike non- striated smooth muscles, contain significant levels of creatine kinase.
The membranes of the muscles leak their contents into the surrounding area, including CK, when damaged. High blood CK levels, therefore, indicate damage to the muscles, somewhere in the body.
Symptoms that indicate having the Creatine Kinase Blood Test (CPK Test) performed:
- Diagnosis of a recent heart attack, marked by:
- Dizziness
- Chest pain and tightness
- Jaw pain
- Muscle pain
- Evaluating the success of a heart procedure
- Muscular weakness
- Lack of balance and coordination
Increased levels of creatine kinase (CK) levels may indicate:
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI)
- Muscular dystrophies
- Dermatomyositis
- Myocarditis
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Reye’s syndrome
- Infectious disease
- Loss of blood supply to a muscle
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Reye’s syndrome
- Tetanus
- Severe trauma
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
001362, 374
Also Known As:
CK, CPK, Creatine Phosphokinase, Total, Serum
Preparation:
No fasting required. Avoid exercise prior to collection.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
