General
Creatine Kinase (CK), Total
Lab test

Creatine Kinase (CK), Total

Ordered for people with muscle pain, weakness, or unexplained fatigue — particularly those on statin medications — and for evaluating suspected muscle injury or inflammatory muscle disease. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours before testing. No fasting required. Results reviewed by a General Medicine clinician.

Receive actionable insights and deep analysis—not just lab values– in as little as 48 hours

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Most insurance accepted

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Available nationwide

What is a Creatine Kinase (CK), Total Test?

The Creatine Kinase (CK) test measures an enzyme found primarily in muscle tissue that leaks into the bloodstream when muscle cells are damaged or destroyed. It is the primary marker for detecting and monitoring muscle injury — from exercise-related soreness to serious conditions like statin-induced myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and inflammatory muscle disease.

Muscle damage detection

CK rises when muscle cells are injured — whether from intense exercise, trauma, or disease. Significantly elevated CK indicates that muscle breakdown is occurring beyond normal physiological limits, prompting investigation into the cause and severity.

Statin-related muscle monitoring

Statin medications can cause muscle damage ranging from mild myalgia to serious myopathy. CK testing is the key tool for assessing whether muscle-related statin side effects involve significant cellular breakdown — guiding decisions about dose adjustment or medication change.

Rhabdomyolysis and myositis evaluation

Markedly elevated CK (often 10x normal or higher) indicates severe muscle breakdown — a medical emergency in the case of rhabdomyolysis, or evidence of inflammatory muscle disease (myositis) requiring urgent evaluation and treatment.

Complete insights in as little as 48 hours

1

Book your test

Instantly schedule at 2,000+ labs nationwide, at a time that works for you. Most visits take 15 minutes or less, with both walk-ins and appointments available.

2

Get results in 48 hours

Your results are delivered quickly—and reviewed by medical professionals. You’ll get clear explanations, robust health insights, and recommended next steps tailored to your health needs.

3

Take action with physician guidance

Choose to review your results and manage your plan with a General Medicine physician—or simply use the insights on your own.

4

Track progress over time

Repeat annually to see trends, improvements, and new emerging risks or book individual tests that focus on your set goals

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We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

Your care plan
Clinician

What's included

Test type

Blood sample

Collection method

Venipuncture

Fasting

Not required

Results processing time

1 to 3 days

Creatine Kinase (CK), Total

Measures the amount of CK in your blood which can rise from muscle, heart, or other tissue injury.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a CK test measure?

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found primarily in muscle tissue. Elevated CK indicates muscle damage or breakdown — from exercise, injury, medication effects (particularly statins), inflammatory muscle disease (myositis), or conditions like rhabdomyolysis.

Do I need to fast for a CK test?

No fasting is required. However, strenuous exercise within 24–48 hours can significantly elevate CK levels — up to 10x normal after intense workouts. Avoid heavy exercise before testing to get a meaningful baseline result.

I'm on a statin and having muscle aches — is this test relevant for me?

Yes — statin-associated muscle symptoms are common, and CK is the key test for assessing whether significant muscle breakdown is occurring. Most people with statin myalgia have normal or mildly elevated CK. A markedly elevated CK (especially above 10x normal) indicates more serious muscle injury requiring medication review.

What CK level is considered concerning?

Mild elevation (up to 3x normal) is common after exercise and is often benign. Moderate elevation (3–10x normal) with symptoms warrants clinical review. Marked elevation (above 10x normal) indicates significant muscle injury (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis) requiring prompt evaluation.

Are there other causes of elevated CK besides muscle problems?

Yes — thyroid disease (particularly hypothyroidism) commonly elevates CK. Seizures, cardiac muscle damage (though cardiac-specific troponin is more sensitive for heart attacks), and inflammatory conditions can also raise CK levels.