Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
Hard exercise can raise CK for several days.
Why it's done
- Muscle pain or weakness, especially on statins
- After a crush injury, long time down after a fall, or extreme exercise
- Dark, tea-colored urine
Getting ready and what happens
- Avoid hard exercise for a few days before, if possible.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| CK | About 30 to 200 U/L (higher in men and with more muscle) |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
Mildly high
Often from exercise, injections, or muscle strain.
Very high (over about 5 times normal)
Can mean rhabdomyolysis, which can harm the kidneys, or a muscle disease.
When a result needs quick action
Call 911Severe muscle pain with dark urine or very little urine
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related medicines
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.