Test Description

Why get tested?

The Creatine Kinase test is used to diagnose several disease conditions such as heart attack and disorders due to muscle damage. Moreover, the CK blood test is specifically used to identify a second or subsequent cardiac attack. The primary tests for detecting heart attack are troponin T and I – markers, as these are also very relevant to the cardiac tissue. However, the creatine kinase test is used for detecting any subsequent heart attacks.

What is being tested?

Creatine kinase test helps diagnose damage to skeletal muscle as the quantity of the creatine kinase enzyme increase in such a situation. Creatine Kinase is an enzyme. It is found in skeletal muscle, the brain, the heart, as well as other tissues. It acts as a catalyst in the process of transforming phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine stores energy to regenerate the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule. It also converts ATP to ADP.

Preparation needed?

Limit exercise and strenuous activities before the CK test as muscle strain can temporarily increase the CK levels in the blood.

Fasting required?

No