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Cardiac Markers

CK-MB

Normal range < 5 (or < 5% of total CK) ng/mL (< 5 µg/L SI). Specimen: Serum.

Also known as: creatine kinase MB fraction.

< 5 (or < 5% of total CK) ng/mLReference range

Reference range

This result is reported qualitatively or as a one-sided threshold rather than a two-sided numeric band.

SpecimenSerum
Conventional range< 5 (or < 5% of total CK) ng/mL
SI range< 5 µg/L
Conversion factor×1 (conventional → SI)
PanelCardiac Markers

Convert any CK-MB result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for CK-MB?

The standard teaching reference range for CK-MB is < 5 (or < 5% of total CK) ng/mL in conventional units, or < 5 µg/L in SI units. This value is measured in serum.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population — always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

Common causes of a high CK-MB

  • Myocardial infarction
  • Myocarditis
  • Cardiac surgery or defibrillation

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • Largely superseded by troponin, but useful to detect re-infarction because it clears faster.

Study aid

Your notes on CK-MB

Same panel

More Cardiac Markers tests

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)< 100 (heart failure unlikely) pg/mLCreatine Kinase (CK)30–200 U/LMyoglobin25–72 ng/mLNT-proBNP< 125 (age < 75); < 450 if older pg/mLTroponin I< 0.04 (assay-dependent) ng/mLTroponin T< 0.01 (assay-dependent) ng/mL