Creatine Kinase Testing

Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations

The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that creatine kinase be removed from the Ontario laboratory requisition form.
Given the uncertainty regarding rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) caused by statins, it is recommended that this be explored further through a field evaluation using existing administrative datasets by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).

Note: further recommendations on the appropriate testing parameters for creatine kinase may be added after the field evaluation has been completed.

Read the full OHTAC Recommendation report

People with high cholesterol often take a type of drug called a statin to lower their cholesterol levels. However, there have been reports of muscle aches, soreness, or weakness (called rhabdomyolysis) associated with high levels of creatine kinase in people who take statin drugs. Creatine kinase is an enzyme (a protein) found in the brain, muscles and heart and can be a sign of muscle damage.

Health Quality Ontario Reviews Creatine Kinase Testing

Health Quality Ontario talked to experts to find out whether testing creatine kinase levels in people who take statins is helpful.

Creatine Kinase Measurement for Patients on Statins: A Rapid Review (PDF)
December 2012

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The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has provided the following response: The creatine kinase test was removed from the laboratory requisition in April 2013.

Evidence to Improve Care