CK-MB

Test Code

CKMB

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB2225

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.10 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection. Remove serum if testing will be delayed more than 8 hours.

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated (on gel): 8 hours
Refrigerated (off gel): 3 days
Frozen: >30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Samples stored on gel >8 hours, unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS; hemolysis index >500, Bilirubin >20 mg/dL, triglycerides >1000 mg/dL

Methodology

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

For MI diagnostic purposes, CKMB results should be used in conjunction with other information.
Patients with heterophile antibodies (HAMA) may show either falsely elevated or falsely depressed results.
Patients with RF antibodies may show biased results by ~5%.
≤ 15% interference from the following constituents/concentrations:
Bilirubin: 20 mg/dL
Hemoglobin: 500 mg/dL
Total Protein (low): 4 g/dL
Total Protein (high): 10 g/dL
Triglycerides: 1000 mg/dL

Reference Range

0.0-4.9 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

CK-MB is an enzyme that represents a significant fraction of the CK (creatine kinase) present in myocardial tissue. CK-MB is also present in a variety of other tissues, although at much lower levels. Its appearance in serum, in the absence of major muscle trauma, may indicate myocardial damage used to assist in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). MI is defined as myocardial cell death due to prolonged ischemia. The magnitude and temporal course of CK-MB elevation & decline may clarify the timing of the myocardial damage, allow an estimate of infarct size, and contribute to the non-invasive assessment of reperfusion.

Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: April 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, March 6, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.