Serum or Plasma Creatine Kinase Isoenzyme Activity (Total CK Activity)
This test measures the total activity of creatine kinase, an enzyme found in heart, muscle, and brain tissues. It helps assess damage to these tissues, often due to injury, illness, or conditions like heart attacks.
["CK helps identify muscle or heart damage by measuring enzyme release after injury."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13602-8
- Short code
- 11DC 30M p 250 ug ACTH SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- 11DC 30M p 250 ug ACTH SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 60
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Creatine Kinase Used For?
Creatine kinase (CK) is primarily used to detect and monitor conditions that cause muscle or heart tissue damage. Elevated levels may signal recent trauma, muscle disorders, heart attacks, or other illnesses affecting these organs.
Why Might My CK Level Be Different?
Your CK level can vary based on factors like recent exercise, muscle injury, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. Doctors compare your results to your medical history and other tests for accurate interpretation.
How Is CK Tested?
This test involves a simple blood draw from a vein. The blood is sent to a lab where enzymes are measured using a specialized method, often an immunoassay or enzymatic technique, to detect CK activity levels.
What Does a High CK Level Mean?
High CK levels often indicate recent muscle or heart damage. Common causes include heart attacks, muscle injuries (like from strenuous exercise or trauma), certain medications, or conditions like myopathies.
Reference range
NCBI: ACTH 10-60 pg/mLN/A
Typically collected in the morning (8-10 AM). Inform your provider if taking steroid medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CK levels are clinically significant because they can signal acute or chronic tissue injury. Doctors use these results alongside patient symptoms, medical history, and other tests to diagnose conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), or neuromuscular disorders.
Short name
Total Creatine Kinase (CK) Level
Frequently asked questions
What triggers a CK test?
How soon after injury or illness might I see changes in my CK levels?
Do I need to prepare for a CK test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy