An enzyme test is a blood test or urine test that measures levels of certain enzymes to assess how well the body’s systems are functioning and whether there has been any tissue damage. Enzymes are proteins within cells that help chemical reactions to occur.

Measuring muscle enzymes is vital in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with muscle weakness or pain. In addition, enzyme tests are important tools to diagnose or rule out causes of abdominal pain or chest pain (e.g., heart attack), help monitor the effectiveness of medical treatment and assess how well some organs are functioning, such as the liver. However, not all diseases or disorders can be diagnosed or monitored with enzyme tests.

Several blood or urine samples may be taken to detect fluctuations of enzymes. Although there is some discomfort from the needle, the process often takes only a few minutes.

Depending on the enzymes tested for, several factors can interfere with the test results. These include vigorous exercise, certain medications and (in some cases) eating before the test. Patients are strongly encouraged to follow their physician’s instructions in order to maximize the accuracy of their test results.