Creatine Kinase, Total, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: CK
Use
Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. This test measures the concentration of CK in the blood and serves as a nonspecific indicator of muscle inflammation or damage. The test is useful for diagnosing conditions such as myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, muscular dystrophies, and other diseases that cause muscle damage.
Special Instructions
Collect the specimen in either a plasma separator tube or a serum separator tube. Allow the serum tube to clot completely at room temperature before processing. Separate the serum or plasma from cells as soon as possible and transfer to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.
Limitations
The CK test is nonspecific and cannot determine the exact cause of muscle damage. High levels of CK can also occur due to strenuous exercise, intramuscular injections, or other medical conditions unrelated to muscle disease. Hemolyzed specimens may affect the accuracy of the test results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2157-6
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens collected in potassium oxalate or sodium fluoride. Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month |