Muscle and Joint Check blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found mainly in muscle. When muscle fibres are strained or damaged, CK leaks into the blood, so it rises after hard exercise, injury and with some medicines or muscle conditions. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is present in almost all tissues and rises with tissue damage in muscle, the liver, red blood cells and elsewhere, which makes it a broad supporting marker.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis and some other autoimmune conditions. Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of purines, found in foods such as red meat, offal, shellfish and beer, and high levels can lead to gout.

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

Who it is for

• You have muscle aches or weakness that has lasted longer than you expected.
• You take a statin and have new muscle pain.
• You have had a sudden painful, hot or swollen joint.
• You have joint pain and want a simple first check.
• You train hard and want to understand your recovery markers.

Understanding your result

Every value in your report comes with the laboratory reference range. A raised CK after exercise is very common and usually settles within a few days. A persistently high CK, especially with weakness or dark urine, needs medical review. A raised LDH is non-specific and is read with your other results.

A positive rheumatoid factor can occur in rheumatoid arthritis but also in other conditions and some healthy people. A high uric acid supports gout in the right setting, although levels can be normal during an attack. Every finding is explained to you in context, and none is a diagnosis by itself.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is required for this sample. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and intramuscular injections for 48 hours before your test, as these can raise CK and LDH. Avoid a heavy meal with red meat, offal or alcohol the night before, and tell us if you take statins, diuretics or gout treatments.

For a wider view, the Muscle and Joint Screen adds kidney, liver, iron, vitamin D and immune markers, and Sports Performance suits regular trainers. Our listings page covers every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a Muscle and Joint Check in Chiswick?

The Muscle and Joint Check costs £59 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. This includes your blood sample, analysis of all four markers at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can statins raise creatine kinase?

Yes. Statins can cause muscle aches and sometimes a raised CK. Do not stop a statin without speaking to your prescriber, but do mention any new muscle pain.

Does a high uric acid mean I have gout?

Not necessarily. Many people with high uric acid never develop gout. Gout is diagnosed from symptoms and sometimes fluid taken from the joint.

Should I avoid exercise before the test?

Yes. Avoid hard exercise for 48 hours so that your CK and LDH results reflect your usual baseline.