What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or cramping, or if you've had chest pain or suspected heart problems. It measures creatine kinase (CK) enzymes that leak into your blood when muscle or heart tissue is damaged. Many people use this test to investigate persistent muscle soreness, monitor muscle conditions, or follow up after a suspected heart attack.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your CK enzyme levels mean for your muscle and heart health. These notes include personalized recommendations like rest protocols, when to seek cardiac evaluation, or lifestyle adjustments to support recovery. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your CK levels over time using our trends feature to monitor healing or identify patterns related to exercise or medical conditions.

What's included in this test?

This test measures total creatine kinase (CK) levels, CK-MM (skeletal muscle), CK-MB (heart muscle), and CK-BB (brain tissue) isoenzymes. This test measures total creatine kinase (CK) levels in your blood and breaks them down into specific isoenzymes (CK-MM from skeletal muscle, CK-MB from heart muscle, and CK-BB from brain tissue). This detailed analysis helps pinpoint whether elevated enzymes are coming from muscle injury, heart damage, or other sources, providing clearer insights into what's causing your symptoms and guiding appropriate next steps.

How should I prepare for this test?

No fasting is needed for this test, so you can eat and drink normally beforehand. However, it's best to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours before testing, as intense workouts can temporarily elevate CK levels and affect your results. If you've recently had an injury or medical procedure, let your healthcare provider know as this may impact interpretation.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for anyone experiencing unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or cramping that doesn't improve with rest. It's also important if you've had chest pain, suspected heart attack, or take medications known to affect muscles (like statins). Athletes with persistent soreness, people with diagnosed muscle diseases, or those recovering from cardiac events should consider this test for monitoring.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Key symptoms include unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness that persists beyond normal exercise soreness. Chest pain or tightness, especially with shortness of breath or jaw pain, warrants urgent testing. Dark-colored urine, extreme fatigue after minimal activity, or muscle cramps that occur frequently may also indicate elevated CK levels worth investigating.

What does high creatine kinase mean?

High CK levels indicate that muscle tissue is being damaged or broken down, releasing enzymes into your bloodstream. This can result from intense exercise, muscle injuries, heart attacks, muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy, certain medications, or inflammatory conditions. The isoenzyme breakdown helps determine which type of muscle is affected and guides appropriate treatment or lifestyle modifications.

What causes elevated CK levels?

Elevated CK can be caused by strenuous exercise or physical activity, muscle injuries or trauma, heart attacks or cardiac stress, medications like statins or fibrates, and muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy or polymyositis. Other causes include prolonged immobility, seizures, injections, hypothyroidism, or inflammatory muscle conditions. The specific isoenzyme pattern helps identify the source.

How can I naturally support healthy muscle recovery?

Support muscle health by staying well-hydrated, especially during and after exercise, as dehydration can worsen muscle damage. Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair, and include anti-inflammatory foods like berries, fatty fish, and leafy greens. Get sufficient rest between workouts, prioritize quality sleep, and consider magnesium-rich foods or supplements to reduce cramping and support muscle function.

How often should I retest my CK levels?

If you have elevated CK levels, your doctor will typically retest within 1-2 weeks to see if levels are decreasing, which indicates healing. For people on statin medications or with chronic muscle conditions, testing every 3-6 months helps monitor ongoing effects. Athletes or those recovering from injury might test more frequently initially, then switch to periodic monitoring once levels normalize.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Muscle & Heart Enzyme Test - CK Levels Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Blood Test for Muscle Pain and Heart Health Concerns

Creatine Kinase (CK) Total Plus Isoenzymes Test

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Muscle Pain and Heart Health Concerns

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say