Your body produces the enzymecreatine kinase(CK) orcreatine phosphokinaseto keep your muscles functioning properly.
Healthcare providers use the CK test to check levels of this protein in your blood.
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What Is Creatine Kinase?
Panuwat Dangsungnoen / EyeEm / Getty Images
Creatine kinase is an enzyme thats responsible for healthy muscle function.
When muscles break down, they release CK, elevating the protein levels in your blood.
These levels can be measured using a CK test.
Having a high CK level means youve experienced or are currently experiencing muscle damage.
Healthcare providers order CK tests to check for muscle damage because of diseases and injuries.
Elevated CK levels might signify:
However, CK levels wont always increase as a result of muscle damage.
For example, some diseases that affect the muscles may not cause elevated CK levels in the blood.
What Is Rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis(rhabdo) happens when damaged muscles break down and release their contents into your bloodstream.
Signs youre experiencing rhabdo may include:
You may also have no symptoms at all.
Youre more likely to develop rhabdo if you:
During rhabdomyolysis, CK levels will typically be extremely high.
What Happens During the Test
The CK test requires a simple blood sample.
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein and send the sample to the laboratory for testing.
Your healthcare provider may need to perform the test multiple times since the CK levels dont immediately increase.
Before the Test
Its a good idea to avoid physical activity before getting a CK test.
Thats because exercise can cause muscle damage and may lead to an elevated level.
But it does give the healthcare provider clues to form a diagnosis or order further testing.
Elevated levels of CK signify muscle damage.
Should high levels of creatine kinase concern you?
Typical results can fall into a wide range and vary depending on your sex or race.
Physical activity and certain medications can also raise levels.
However, some medical conditions may require prompt medical attention.
Rhabdomyolysis, for example, typically requires treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital setting.
In severe cases, kidney dialysis may also be needed.
Elevated CK levels can mean you have some sort of muscle damage in your body.
Before you go for any blood test, tell your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements youre taking.
Some medications, supplements, and vitamins can impact CK levels in your blood, potentially affecting the result.
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