Detection of skeletal muscle damage: As seen in cases of rhabdomyolysis caused by crush injuries, intense physical exertion, medications (statins), or metabolic disorders. Diagnosis of inherited or acquired muscle diseases: Such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myositis, and dermatomyositis. Assessment of myocardial damage (myocardial infarction): Although total CK is less specific than CK-MB or troponin. An elevation draws attention, but its cardiac source should be confirmed with additional tests. Monitoring patients on medications that may cause muscle injury: Such as cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

Athletes after unusually intense exercise or competitions. Patients experiencing severe muscle pain and general weakness, especially following an accident or fall. Patients starting statin therapy, for baseline and regular monitoring. Patients suspected of having inherited or inflammatory muscle diseases. Patients in the emergency room with chest pain (as part of the initial evaluation).

Severe muscle pain, swelling, and weakness, especially after intense physical exertion or injury. Dark urine, resembling tea or cola (a sign of rhabdomyolysis). Progressive muscle weakness or difficulty getting up from a chair or climbing stairs. Chest pain accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of a heart attack.

Men: 55 - 170 units/L (U/L). Women: 30 - 135 units/L (U/L). Mild elevation (up to 5x normal): Minor muscle injury, exercise, intramuscular injections. Moderate to severe elevation (5x - 100x normal): Rhabdomyolysis, inflammatory muscle diseases, extensive myocardial infarction. Very severe elevation (> 100x normal): Characteristic of inherited muscle diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Total CK Muscle Test | Lahalak Medical Platform

A comprehensive test measuring creatine kinase levels to detect any muscle or heart damage, supporting the assessment of your physical condition and ensuring proper recovery.

Scientific name: Total Creatine Kinase (CK) Test

A quantitative test that measures the total level of creatine kinase (CK) enzyme in the blood serum. CK is an enzyme that plays a vital role in energy production within cells and is found in high concentrations in tissues that require rapid energy, such as skeletal muscles, the heart muscle, and the brain. It is composed of three subunits (M and B)...

Total Creatine Kinase (CK) Test - Check Your Muscle Health

Service type Laboratory test (Blood)

Duration 10-15 minutes

Fasting Fasting is not required

Included Services

Creatine Kinase Total (CK Total) Test
Consultation for result interpretation with a specialist in internal medicine, neurology, or cardiology.
Personal support services from Lahalak

Medical Service Information

Purpose Test

Detection of skeletal muscle damage: As seen in cases of rhabdomyolysis caused by crush injuries, intense physical exertion, medications (statins), or metabolic disorders.
Diagnosis of inherited or acquired muscle diseases: Such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myositis, and dermatomyositis.
Assessment of myocardial damage (myocardial infarction): Although total CK is less specific than CK-MB or troponin. An elevation draws attention, but its cardiac source should be confirmed with additional tests.
Monitoring patients on medications that may cause muscle injury: Such as cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

Recommended groups

Athletes after unusually intense exercise or competitions.
Patients experiencing severe muscle pain and general weakness, especially following an accident or fall.
Patients starting statin therapy, for baseline and regular monitoring.
Patients suspected of having inherited or inflammatory muscle diseases.
Patients in the emergency room with chest pain (as part of the initial evaluation).

Symptoms indicative

Severe muscle pain, swelling, and weakness, especially after intense physical exertion or injury.
Dark urine, resembling tea or cola (a sign of rhabdomyolysis).
Progressive muscle weakness or difficulty getting up from a chair or climbing stairs.
Chest pain accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of a heart attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mild elevation (< 5 times the normal limit) without symptoms: The doctor may continue treatment with monitoring.
Moderate elevation with muscle symptoms: The doctor may temporarily stop the medication, reduce the dose, or switch to another type.
Severe elevation (> 10 times the normal limit): The medication is usually stopped.

Normal Levels

Men: 55 - 170 units/L (U/L).
Women: 30 - 135 units/L (U/L).
Mild elevation (up to 5x normal): Minor muscle injury, exercise, intramuscular injections.
Moderate to severe elevation (5x - 100x normal): Rhabdomyolysis, inflammatory muscle diseases, extensive myocardial infarction.
Very severe elevation (> 100x normal): Characteristic of inherited muscle diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Conditions & Notices

• Fasting is not required, but it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for 48-72 hours before the test.
• Avoid consuming alcohol one day before the test.
• The doctor should be informed about all medications and supplements, especially statins, other lipid-lowering drugs, and dietary supplements (such as creatine).
• The sample should be taken in a serum tube (with a red or yellow cap).
• If the elevation is unexplained, it is often followed by a CK-MB or troponin test to rule out a cardiac cause.