OVERVIEW OF THE TEST
A Creatine Kinase Myocardial Band Test measures the amount of an iso-enzyme of Creatine Kinase- Creatine Kinase MB circulating in your blood. Creatine Kinase is produced by several organs of the body e.g. heart, uterus, and brain. The injured heart muscle releases CK-MB into the bloodstream. This test helps your health care provider determine if you are having a heart attack.
Other names: Creatine Kinase MB Blood test
- How is the test performed?
A sample of blood is obtained by inserting a needle into the arm and collecting blood into a needle. Level of creatine kinase is checked in this sample.
Please note your health care provider may check your levels more than once because creatine kinase-MB level does not rise in the first 4-6 hours after a heart attack.
- Is there any risk associated with the test?
There is no such risk associated with the test. However, patient may experience slight pain at site of needle insertion.
- What levels are dangerous?
Blood level of creatine kinase-MB in the range of 5-25 IU/L is normal. If level is higher than this, please consult your health care provider.
- What are the most common complications?
Rarely, complications arise by performance of this test. Some complications are:
Please note, chest pain does not necessarily mean you are having or have had a heart attack. It may be due to reasons such as stress.
Some other heart problems causing similar symptoms are:
- Myocarditis, infection and inflammation of the heart muscle
- Cardiac defibrillation, usage of electric current to fix heart rhythm
INTERPRETATION OF THE TEST?
Creatine Kinase MB is specific to the heart muscle. When high levels are found in the blood, it indicates heart muscle damage. Normal range is 5-25 IU/L.
