Description

Creatine Kinase (CK) / Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Blood Test

What It Is:

A blood test that measures the amount of creatine kinase (CK) in your bloodstream. CK is an enzyme that helps your body produce energy, primarily in your skeletal muscles, but also in your heart and brain.

Purpose of the Test

This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions that cause muscle, heart, or brain damage, such as:

  • Muscle injuries or inflammation
  • Heart attacks or other cardiac conditions
  • Neurological disorders affecting the brain

How It Works

Normally, only small amounts of CK leak into your blood from everyday muscle wear and tear. Elevated CK levels can indicate more significant damage to muscles, heart tissue, or brain tissue.

Fasting: Not required