Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation required.
- Turnaround: 3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the three creatine kinase isoenzymes in your blood: CK-BB (CK-1), CK-MB (CK-2), and CK-MM (CK-3). These isoenzymes are slightly different forms of creatine kinase, each concentrated in different tissues. CK-BB is found mostly in the brain and lungs, CK-MB is found mostly in the heart, and CK-MM is found mostly in skeletal muscle.
This test does not include Total CK. It reports the individual isoenzyme levels, which can help identify which type of tissue, such as brain, heart, or skeletal muscle, may be affected when creatine kinase activity is elevated.
Benefits
- Reports CK-BB, CK-MB, and CK-MM as separate isoenzyme levels
- Helps identify which tissue type may be involved in elevated CK
- Distinguishes brain and lung, heart, and skeletal muscle sources
- Does not include Total CK measurement
- Simple blood draw with no special preparation
- Results available in a few business days
Who Is This Test For?
- People whose healthcare provider wants to evaluate CK isoenzyme levels
- Those being monitored for possible muscle, heart, or brain tissue involvement
- Individuals who have experienced recent muscle injury or intense exercise
- People with symptoms their provider wants to investigate further with isoenzyme detail
- Those following up on findings that may relate to muscle, cardiac, or neurological tissue
- Individuals whose provider wants isoenzyme results without a Total CK value
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the CK-BB, CK-MB, and CK-MM isoenzymes to help a healthcare provider evaluate which tissue type, brain and lungs, heart, or skeletal muscle, may be involved when creatine kinase activity is a concern. It does not include Total CK. This test alone does not diagnose a specific condition, and results are best interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
2. Who should order this test, and when?
This test may be useful for people whose healthcare provider wants isoenzyme level detail related to muscle, heart, or brain tissue, such as those recovering from muscle injury or intense exercise, or those following up on findings that may relate to these tissue types. It is intended for use as directed by a healthcare provider rather than for every person with a general muscle or tissue concern, and it does not replace a full medical evaluation or provide a complete health assessment on its own.
3. What does this test measure?
Each of the three isoenzymes, CK-BB, CK-MB, and CK-MM, is reported individually rather than as a single combined value. The specimen is collected as a standard blood draw, not a timed or continuous collection, and because this test does not include Total CK, results are not interchangeable with a Total CK result.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-5 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your CK-BB, CK-MB, and CK-MM levels depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, medications, recent activity, and other laboratory results. An elevated isoenzyme level does not automatically confirm a specific condition, and a normal result does not rule one out. Because this test does not include Total CK, results should be interpreted specifically as isoenzyme values rather than as an overall CK measurement. Discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider for full interpretation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review results outside the expected range with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help interpret your isoenzyme levels in the context of your symptoms and health history. Additional evaluation or testing may be considered if your provider recommends it based on your specific situation.
8. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider based on your individual situation. This test is not intended for a fixed or routine repeat schedule.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
