Creatine kinase (CK)

Test the level of creatine kinase in the blood.

Creatine kinase is an enzyme located in striated muscle striated muscle, heart muscle and brain.

Creatine kinase is an enzyme located in striated muscle, heart muscle and brain

The assay is used in the diagnosis of:

• myocardial infarction,
• skeletal muscle diseases,
• injuries and bleeding into the central nervous system (CNS),

In the course of myocardial infarction, an increase in activity is observed at the earliest 4-6 h after the onset of infarction, maximum increase after about 18-30 h. Typically, the decrease in activity after approx. 72 h. Persistently elevated activity after 3-4 days is an indicator of poor prognosis.

An increase in activity also occurs in:

• myocarditis,
• rhabdomyolysis,
• carbon monoxide poisoning,
• muscular dystrophy,
• myositis,
• muscle inflammation,
• muscle and head (CNS) injuries,
• subarachnoid hemorrhages,

Additionally, the assay is also used as an auxiliary in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders.