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HelpTest ID CK Creatine Kinase (CK), Serum
Useful For
The determination of creatine kinase is utilized in the diagnosis and monitoring of myocardial infarction and myopathies such as the progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Method Name
Photometric, Creatine Phosphate + ADP
Reporting Name
Creatine Kinase (CK), SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Additional Information: Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |
Clinical Information
Creatine Kinase (CK) activity is greatest in striated muscle, heart tissue, and brain. The determination of CK activity is a proven tool in the investigation of skeletal muscle disease (muscular dystrophy) and is also useful in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accidents. Increased levels of CK also can be found in viral myositis, polymyositis, and hypothyroidism.
Following injury to the myocardium, such as occurs in acute MI, CK is released from the damaged myocardial cells. A rise in the CK activity can be found 4 to 8 hours after an infarction. CK activity reaches a maximum after 12 to 24 hours and then falls back to the normal range after 3 to 4 days.
Reference Values
Males
6-11 years: 150-499 U/L
12-17 years: 94-499 U/L
≥18 years: 52-336 U/L
Females
6-7 years: 134-391 U/L
8-14 years: 91-391 U/L
15-17 years: 53-269 U/L
≥18 years: 38-176 U/L
Reference values have not been established for patients that are less than 6 years of age.
Note: Strenuous exercise or intramuscular injections may cause transient elevation of CK.
Cautions
Exercise and muscle trauma (contact sports, traffic accidents, intramuscular injections, surgery, convulsions, wasp or bee stings, and burns) can elevate serum creatine kinase values.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82550