Creatine Kinase

Measures an enzyme that can rise when muscle tissue is damaged.

To evaluate muscle damage, strenuous exertion or certain myopathies.

1. Check in advance whether you need to fast or have your blood drawn at a specific time.
2. Before the test, avoid unusually intense physical exercise and heavy alcohol use. Whether you need to fast depends on the other tests ordered and local laboratory rules.
3. Before the blood draw, avoid unusually intense physical exercise unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
4. Tell your doctor and the laboratory staff about any medicines and dietary supplements you take.

Fasting is often not necessary for this test alone. If other tests have also been ordered, or your doctor has prescribed specific preparation, follow the agreed rules.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Intense sports or muscle injury
• Intramuscular injections
• Certain medicines

Venous blood — serum or plasma, depending on the method

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

A raised CK is often linked to muscle damage or intense exertion.

If your result is outside the reference interval, you have symptoms, or your condition changes, contact your doctor. If symptoms are severe or develop quickly, seek emergency care.

CK can rise after intense exercise, muscle injury or injections.