A creatine kinase (CK) level of 120 U/L is typically considered?

A creatine kinase (CK) level of 120 U/L is typically considered?

• A. Within the normal reference range
• B. Elevated
• C. Significantly elevated
• D. Indicative of rhabdomyolysis

Answer: (A)

Creatine kinase is an enzyme released into the blood when muscle cells are damaged. Normal values depend on the assay and lab, but for most adults the upper limit of normal is around 170–200 U/L. A CK level of 120 U/L falls within that typical reference range, so it is considered normal rather than elevated. Elevated would mean higher than the lab’s upper limit; significantly elevated implies a much larger degree of muscle injury, and rhabdomyolysis usually shows CK values in the thousands and is accompanied by other signs like kidney concerns. So, this value is best interpreted as within normal limits.

Creatine kinase is an enzyme released into the blood when muscle cells are damaged. Normal values depend on the assay and lab, but for most adults the upper limit of normal is around 170–200 U/L. A CK level of 120 U/L falls within that typical reference range, so it is considered normal rather than elevated. Elevated would mean higher than the lab’s upper limit; significantly elevated implies a much larger degree of muscle injury, and rhabdomyolysis usually shows CK values in the thousands and is accompanied by other signs like kidney concerns. So, this value is best interpreted as within normal limits.