CK-MB
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CK-MB stands for Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Heart-predominant form of creatine kinase that rises 3 to 6 hours after a heart attack, peaks around 24 hours and returns to normal within about two to three days. It was the main cardiac biomarker before troponin and is still occasionally used to detect a second heart attack soon after the first.
Example: CK-MB re-elevated on day 3 post-MI, raising concern for reinfarction.
Usage notes
Troponin has largely replaced CK-MB because it is more sensitive and specific for heart injury. Skeletal muscle contains a small amount of CK-MB, so labs may report a relative index comparing CK-MB with total CK to judge the source. The "MB" names the two subunit types, M (muscle) and B (brain).
Related abbreviations
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- CLIA – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.