Creatine Kinase Analysis

Measurement of serum creatine kinase may be indicated for suspected cases of dystrophinopathies or in patients with muscle injury, pain, or weakness.

Turnaround Time

10 days

CPT Code(s)

82550

Cost

$48

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found primarily in skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and brain tissue that catalyzes the production and cycling of ATP to produce energy.

Elevated levels of serum creatine kinase may indicate muscle damage or disease such as myocardial infarction, muscular dystrophy, or rhabdomyolysis. Strenuous exercise can also cause mild, temporary increases in CK levels.

Creatine kinase activity is measured via spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 340 nm.

Serum is the preferred specimen. Collect 5-7 ml of peripheral blood in a red-top serum tube, spin down, remove serum, and freeze. Whole blood, collected in a green-top, sodium heparin tube, can be sent at room temperature. Do not freeze whole blood.

Serum must be shipped frozen, preferably on dry ice, by overnight delivery services or courier. Whole blood can be shipped overnight at room temperature. Do not freeze whole blood.