CK ordered for a specimen. Which factors can cause incorrect results?

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Multiple Choice

CK ordered for a specimen. Which factors can cause incorrect results?

CK testing is highly sensitive to how the sample is collected and handled. Heavy hemolysis can cause a falsely high CK because red blood cells rupture and release intracellular components, which can boost the measured enzyme activity beyond the true level. Light exposure can degrade reagents or the enzyme itself, leading to a falsely low CK reading. Using plasma from heparinized tubes (instead of serum) can alter the assay’s chemistry or dilution effects, often resulting in a lower CK value than would be seen with serum. Because each of these scenarios can skew the result in the wrong direction, all of these factors are potential causes of incorrect CK measurements.

CK testing is highly sensitive to how the sample is collected and handled. Heavy hemolysis can cause a falsely high CK because red blood cells rupture and release intracellular components, which can boost the measured enzyme activity beyond the true level. Light exposure can degrade reagents or the enzyme itself, leading to a falsely low CK reading. Using plasma from heparinized tubes (instead of serum) can alter the assay’s chemistry or dilution effects, often resulting in a lower CK value than would be seen with serum. Because each of these scenarios can skew the result in the wrong direction, all of these factors are potential causes of incorrect CK measurements.

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