CK
Also known as: Total CK; Creatine phosphokinase; CPK
Formal name: Creatine Kinase
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Creatine kinase is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. Enzymes are proteins that help cells to perform their normal functions. In muscle and heart cells, most of this energy is used when muscles contract.
There are three different forms of CK in your body; they are referred to as isoenzymes:
- CK-MM (found in your skeletal muscles and heart),
- CK-MB (found mostly in your heart),
- CK-BB (found mostly in your brain).
The small amount of CK that is normally in the blood comes mainly from your muscles. The CK in your brain almost never gets into the blood.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from the arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
