CKMB

Test Code

CCKMB

Alias/See Also

Mass Creatine Kinase MB Isoenzyme, CK-MB, MMB

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)

Transport Container

PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 12 hours, Refrigerated: 3 days, Frozen: 1 month

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

Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.

Reference Range

0.0-3.6 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

The creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) is found primarily in cardiac tissue, with substantially lower concentrations also seen in skeletal muscle. The quantitation of CKMB is routinely ordered as part of the cardiac panel and is useful in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Typically, in cases of uncomplicated AMI, serial determinations show a pattern wherein CKMB levels become elevated within 4-8 hours after onset of pain, peak between 12-24 hours and then drop to normal by 48 hours. Mass CKMB is the biochemical marker of choice for perioperative myocardial infarction during the first 48 hours after the onset of pain. CKMB concentrations have also been used to assess the extent of AMI and subsequent reinfarction.The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of mass CKMB is superior to that of CK isoenzymes by electrophoresis.

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.