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Creatine Kinase (CK), Total

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood test that measures total creatine kinase, an enzyme released mainly by skeletal and heart muscle. It can help evaluate muscle injury and monitor certain medicines.

Quick summary

["An elevated CK level may indicate muscle injury, but the result must be interpreted with symptoms and other heart or muscle tests."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
69106-3
Short code
CT Knee-L W contr IS
Synonyms
CT Knee-L W contr IS
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ct
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 this test?

Creatine kinase, or CK, is an enzyme found in skeletal muscle, the heart, and other tissues. This test measures the overall amount or activity of CK in a blood sample.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order CK to evaluate unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine, or to monitor medicines that can occasionally damage muscle, such as some cholesterol medicines. It may also be used as part of an evaluation for heart or skeletal muscle injury.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The exact specimen and measurement method can vary by laboratory, and your healthcare professional can explain the results in context.

How do I prepare for the test?

Fasting is usually not required. Strenuous exercise, injections, seizures, and recent muscle injury can raise CK, so tell your clinician about these activities. Take medicines as directed unless your healthcare professional gives different instructions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A CK level higher than expected may indicate injury or inflammation of skeletal or heart muscle, intense recent exercise, muscle injections, seizures, or certain medicine effects. An elevated CK alone does not identify the cause or diagnose a heart attack; symptoms, medical history, and tests such as troponin may be needed. A low CK result is less common and is often not clinically meaningful by itself.

Short name

CK total

Frequently asked questions

Can a high CK level mean I had a heart attack?
Not by itself. CK can rise when the heart muscle is injured, but troponin and the clinical situation are generally more specific for evaluating a possible heart attack.
Does exercise affect the CK result?
Yes. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can temporarily increase CK, so the healthcare professional may consider recent physical activity when interpreting the result.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Usually not. Follow any specific preparation instructions from your clinician or laboratory, and mention medicines, injections, and recent muscle symptoms.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy