Creatine kinase blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found mainly in skeletal muscle, with smaller amounts in heart muscle and the brain. It helps muscle cells produce energy. When muscle fibres are stressed or injured, CK leaks into the bloodstream, so the level in a blood sample gives an indication of recent muscle strain or damage.

This test measures total CK. It does not show which muscle the enzyme came from, so it is read in the context of your training, symptoms, medicines and any other results.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have unexplained muscle aches, cramps or weakness.
• You take a statin or another medicine that can occasionally affect muscle, and you want a check.
• You train hard and want to understand how your muscles are recovering between sessions.
• You have had a fall, injury or period of heavy physical work and feel unusually sore.
• Your GP has mentioned a previously raised CK and you would like to repeat it.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your CK level against the laboratory reference range. Normal levels vary with muscle mass, age, sex and ethnicity, and people with more muscle often sit towards the upper end. A raised CK is very common after intense or unfamiliar exercise, intramuscular injections or minor injuries, and it can stay up for several days afterwards.

Persistently raised or very high levels can point to muscle inflammation, a side effect of medication, an underactive thyroid or, less commonly, an inherited muscle condition. Very high CK with dark urine and severe muscle pain needs urgent medical attention. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner and, where appropriate, your GP, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not needed. Avoid strenuous or unfamiliar exercise, including heavy gym sessions and long runs, for at least 48 hours before your test, as this can raise CK on its own. Tell us about any recent injections, falls or massage treatments, and about statins or other medicines you take. Please do not stop prescribed medicines without your doctor's advice.

CK is included in Sports Performance, which looks at recovery, iron and hormones for active people, and in Omnia Essential Plus. You can browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a creatine kinase test in Chiswick?

A creatine kinase (CK) blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. The price covers your sample in Chiswick, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Why does exercise affect my CK result?

Hard training causes small amounts of muscle fibre damage, which is a normal part of adapting. This releases CK into the blood for several days, so testing straight after a heavy session can give a misleadingly high value.

I take a statin. Should I have my CK checked?

If you have new muscle pain, weakness or tenderness on a statin, speak to your GP or pharmacist. A CK test can be a useful part of that discussion, but please do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.

Is CK a heart test?

Total CK mainly reflects skeletal muscle. Heart-specific markers are used in hospital to assess the heart. Anyone with chest pain or severe breathlessness should call 999 rather than book a blood test.