Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Creatine Kinase (CK): What Does This Test Measure?

The Creatine Kinase (CK) test measures the blood level of creatine kinase, an enzyme found especially in skeletal muscle, heart and some other tissues.

Test summary

Test name: Creatine Kinase (CK)
Abbreviations: CK, CPK
Category: Muscle / Tissue Enzymes
Panel: Muscle Injury Assessment
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: U/L

What does the test measure?

The Creatine Kinase (CK) test measures the blood level of creatine kinase, an enzyme found especially in skeletal muscle, heart and some other tissues.

Why is the test ordered?

It is ordered when muscle injury, exercise-related changes or muscle disease are suspected and may be used to monitor clinical course.

Information about a low result

A low value is usually not interpreted as a clinical problem by itself; the purpose of testing and laboratory context matter.

Information about a high result

High CK most often reflects muscle-cell injury or stress and may rise after intense exercise, trauma, muscle disease or rhabdomyolysis.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

CK reference values vary with sex, muscle mass, physical activity and laboratory method. Results should be interpreted with exercise history and muscle symptoms.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Neurology
Cardiology
Emergency Medicine

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Creatine Kinase (CK): High Result: What Does It Mean?

Sources

Troponin Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · Troponin testing and cardiac muscle injury interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Creatine Kinase — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · CK testing, muscle injury and CK isoenzyme context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · LDH testing and nonspecific tissue-damage interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026