Coxsackie-IgG Type A7 (IFT) detects long-lasting antibodies to Coxsackievirus A7 and is best viewed as evidence of past exposure, not proof of a current infection. Because IFT is assay-specific and enteroviruses can cross-react, use your lab’s cutoffs and clinical context. For suspected acute disease, pair serology with PCR/NAAT (throat/stool/CSF/lesion) and/or look for a fourfold rise in IgG on paired sera 2–4 weeks apart; IgM may support recent exposure but is less reliable than PCR for timing. In the absence of symptoms, elevated IgG usually needs no treatment. If symptomatic, care is typically supportive while ruling in/out other causes.

Coxsackie-IgG Type B1 (IFT) detects long-lasting antibodies to Coxsackievirus B1 and mainly indicates past exposure, not an active infection. Because IFT methods and cutoffs differ and cross-reactivity among enteroviruses can occur, rely on your lab’s ranges and your clinical picture. For suspected acute disease, pair serology with PCR/NAAT (throat/stool/CSF/lesion) and consider paired sera to look for a fourfold IgG rise over 2–4 weeks; IgM may suggest recent exposure but is less specific than PCR for timing. Coxsackie B viruses can involve the heart (myopericarditis), meninges, or pleura/pancreas—seek evaluation if symptoms fit. In the absence of symptoms, an elevated IgG usually needs no treatment.

Elevated antibody levels can be clinically significant — while the antibodies themselves don’t destroy anything, they do trigger an inflammatory response that can cause significant destruction of tissue and resulting symptoms. This response is not necessarily dependent on antibody levels. However, an equivocal result may mean you are just beginning to exhibit an immune reaction, so this is an important time to take measures to support the body in damping immune reactivity.

The primary goal of a creatinine clearance test is to measure the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), providing insight into kidney filtration efficiency. It is instrumental in diagnosing, screening, and tracking the progression of kidney disease.

The test involves measuring creatinine levels in a blood sample and a 24-hour urine collection. Creatinine is a byproduct of the breakdown of creatine, which provides energy to muscles. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood, and it is excreted in urine. By using a specific formula that considers creatinine levels in both the blood and urine, adjusted for body size, the test estimates the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

A creatinine clearance test is performed to evaluate kidney function by analyzing both blood and urine samples. Creatinine is a waste product generated by normal muscle activity, which the kidneys filter from the blood and eliminate through urine. This test compares the levels of creatinine in the blood and urine to determine how effectively the kidneys are filtering blood, a key indicator for diagnosing and monitoring kidney health.

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found primarily in the brain, skeletal muscles, and heart. Conditions that cause damage to any of these three areas produce an elevated level of CK. For this reason, CK tests are often run to detect muscle damage, especially if someone is taking a drug such as a statin, using cocaine, or has been exposed to a toxin. If you’re experiencing chest pain or weakness your doctor may order a CK test to determine if you’ve had a heart attack. It is also common for doctors to use this test to evaluate the extent of sports injuries. Creatine kinase levels reflect the amount of muscle in the body, and as such men typically have higher levels than women. Finally, a CK test may be used to diagnose rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. It is worth noting that a normal level of CK does not necessarily mean that there is no muscle damage. It could mean that the damage occurred long enough ago for levels to return to normal.  Frequently, a succession of CK tests are run as changes in CK levels due to muscle damage can take hours to present.

The CK-MB test measures levels of a specific enzyme, Creatine kinase-MB, primarily found in heart muscle cells, to diagnose heart damage. CK-MB is one of three forms of the creatine kinase enzyme, with the others being CK-MM and CK-BB, found in different muscles and organs. Elevated CK-MB levels, especially with a high ratio to total creatine kinase, indicate heart damage, which could be due to various causes such as physical trauma, surgery, or a heart attack. While historically crucial for diagnosing heart attacks, the CK-MB test has been largely replaced by more specific cardiac troponin tests. The test is performed mainly in emergency settings, with results varying based on individual health factors and laboratory standards.

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme in the body. It is found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle.

This test may be used to:

- Diagnose heart attack

- Evaluate cause of chest pain

- Determine if or how badly a muscle is damaged

- Detect dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and other muscle diseases

- Tell the difference between malignant hyperthermia and postoperative infection

Creatinine values are measured to correct results for urine dilution.

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. Creatinine is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and released into the urine.

The amount of creatinine produced in the body is dependent on muscle mass and is relatively constant for an individual. The amount of creatinine removed from the blood depends on both the filtering ability of the kidneys and the rate at which blood is carried to the kidneys.

Urinary creatinine is commonly used as a laboratory standardization when evaluating urinary analytes. Creatinine excretion is influenced by muscle mass and body habitus since creatinine formation occurs in muscle.

Dietary intake of proteins containing arginine and glycine (precursors of creatine) and creatine supplementation can elevate levels.

Hydration status may also play a role in urinary creatinine levels.

Urinary creatinine is commonly used as a laboratory standardization when evaluating urinary analytes. Creatinine excretion is influenced by muscle mass and body habitus since creatinine formation occurs in muscle.

Dietary intake of proteins containing arginine and glycine (precursors of creatine) and creatine supplementation can elevate levels.

Hydration status may also play a role in urinary creatinine levels.

Creatinine is used to calculate results and is not to be used diagnostically.