Also Known As
CK, CPK, Creatine Phosphokinase, Total CK
The Purpose of a Creatine Kinase Test
Do you have lingering muscle pain or weakness, unexplained numb or tingling sensations, or difficulty maintaining your balance? You may need a creatine kinase (CK) blood test. CK is an enzyme that’s manufactured when muscle, heart, or brain tissue is injured. This test can be used to diagnose muscle diseases such as rhabdomyolysis and muscular dystrophy or conditions related to muscle inflammation (myositis); it can also help assess the damage caused by a heart attack or stroke.
What Does the CK Lab Test Measure?
The creatine kinase test measures the CK levels in your blood. The three kinds of CK that can be analyzed by this test are grouped by the location of your body they affect: CK-MM (muscles), CK-BB (brain), and CK-MB (heart).
Who Should Take a Creatine Kinase Blood Test?
You may want a test if you’ve been experiencing the symptoms noted above (other symptoms include dark-colored urine or swollen legs or feet) or if you’ve suffered a muscle injury or heart attack.
CK Blood Test Preparation
Avoid exercise before providing your blood sample.
CK Lab Test Results
With a blood test, CK normal ranges vary because they depend on several factors, including age, gender, and race. Elevated levels can indicate muscle disease, heart attack, or stroke, depending on the type of CK enzyme. However, other health issues can raise CK levels, such as infection, seizure, kidney failure, drug use, or hormonal problems. Your doctor may want you to undergo further testing to pinpoint problems. For instance, you may get a Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test or similar lab work if your physician suspects you have a kidney disorder. A CK lab test can also be ordered along with other heart health tests if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke.
If you need a physician to review your results, we can help. Personalabs offers telehealth visits with board-certified doctors if you need guidance or input on the next steps you should take for your health.
Where Can I Get a Creatine Kinase Lab Test Near Me?
It shouldn’t be hard to get a creatine kinase blood test so you can take control of your health. The process is simple when you shop at Personalabs, where we have a comprehensive selection of health tests.
Step 1: Purchase the test of your choice from our online store and download the lab order. (You don’t need a doctor to sign off on your test, depending on the state you live in.)
Step 2: Visit our lab locator for your CK lab work. Our partnerships with two of America’s leading clinical lab companies, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, give you more than 4,000 locations to choose from nationwide, so you’re sure to find a facility near you.
Step 3: Get your blood drawn at the lab. Make sure to bring the test order with you.
Step 4: Your results should arrive in your confidential and secure Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days. (Turnaround times vary by lab, so if you need results by a certain time, contact us, and we will reach out to the lab on your behalf.)
Get tests that deliver fast, reliable results to guide your healthcare decisions. Shop our collection of lab tests today.
