A Creatine Kinase (CK) test measures the level of this enzyme in your blood. CK is found primarily in muscles (including heart muscle) and brain. When muscle tissue is damaged, CK is released into the bloodstream.
What This Test Measures
Creatine Kinase (CK/CPK):
An enzyme that helps produce energy for muscle contraction. Total CK measures all forms combined. Different forms (isoenzymes) come from different tissues: CK-MM (skeletal muscle), CK-MB (heart), CK-BB (brain).
Reference Ranges
• Men: 39-308 U/L
• Women: 26-192 U/L
Note: Values can be significantly higher after strenuous exercise.
Who Should Consider This Test
• Muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
• Suspected rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Monitoring statin medication side effects
• After intense exercise or physical trauma
• Evaluating muscle diseases (muscular dystrophy)
• Chest pain (along with cardiac markers)
What Elevated CK May Indicate
Muscle-Related:
• Intense exercise or physical labor
• Muscle trauma or injury
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Myositis (muscle inflammation)
• Statin-induced myopathy
Other Causes:
• Heart attack (CK-MB rises)
• Surgery
• Intramuscular injections
• Hypothyroidism
• Certain medications
Important Note About Exercise
Strenuous exercise can elevate CK significantly for 24-72 hours. Avoid heavy exercise for 2-3 days before testing for most accurate baseline results.
How It Works
1. Order your test online – no doctor visit required
2. Visit any Quest Diagnostics location nationwide
3. Simple blood draw takes approximately 5 minutes
4. Results delivered to your secure portal within 1-2 business days
Preparation
Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days before testing.
Related Tests to Consider
• LDH – Another tissue damage marker
• AST – Also elevated with muscle damage
• Myoglobin – Muscle protein marker
• Cardiac markers – If heart involvement suspected
Why Choose Wittmer Rejuvenation Clinic
At $27, our Creatine Kinase test is affordably priced. We partner with Quest Diagnostics for reliable, CLIA-certified laboratory testing.




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