Creatine Kinase (CK)

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

 

CK

 

Department


Biochemistry
Royal Stoke University Hospital, County Hospital, Leighton Hospital, Macclesfield District General Hospital


Pre-analytical information  

 

Add-on requests: accepted up to 72 hours post sampling

Minimum Retest Interval: n/a

Sample Collection Instructions:
Collect the sample using normal venepuncture technique into a serum gel tube (gold-top).

Sample Transport & Stability Information:
Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained. If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.

Stable in separated serum for 4 hours at room temperature, 5 days at 4-8oC and 2 months at -20oC.

For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.

 

Sample Type, Container & Volume

Adult sample type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paediatric sample type: 

Lithium-heparin plasma, Plain serum.

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Sex

Age

CK Range (IU/L)

Female

0-12 Years 

68-293 

Female

13-17 Years 

48-200 

Female

≥ 18 yrs 

25-200 

Male

0-12 Years 

68-293 

Male

13-17 Years 

90-354 

Male

≥ 18 yrs 

40-320 

Note, CK reference ranges are derived from Caucasian populations and may be up to 2x the upper reference limit in other ethnicities.

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Investigation of muscle disease, including rhabdomyolysis, myositis, or muscle dystrophy. 


Common causes of a raised CK include:


•    exercise
•    statins
•    hypothyroidism
•    repeated venepuncture
•    drugs

Persistently elevated CK levels without apparent cause may be due to formation of CK-immune complexes (Macro-CK). Please contact the Duty Biochemist to discuss further investigation.

There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.

Serum/plasma samples are routinely screened for the presence of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia. Results are not reported if one or more of these has been detected at levels deemed to have had a significant impact on the accuracy of the test.

For more information, please see the following: Creatine Kinase – Lab Tests Online.

Reviewed / Updated On: 10/10/2025