CK

serum or EDTA plasma or heparin plasma 0.5 ml

photometry

1 day

The highest enzyme activity by far is found in the skeletal muscle, followed by brain tissue and cardiac muscle. All conditions, which cause destruction of muscle cell membranes, effect elevated serum concentrations (e.g. myopathies, traumata due to injuries or i.m. injections and after intensive training). Preanalytically, hemolysis also leads to elevated values. Brain tissue damage does not cause increased serum levels because of the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier.