3mehistidinesfrserpl
A blood test that measures 3-methylhistidine levels to evaluate muscle breakdown and nutritional status.
{"3-Methylhistidine is a marker that shows how much muscle is being broken down in your body","Higher than normal levels may indicate increased muscle breakdown from conditions like malnutrition, injury, or illness","The test requires a simple blood draw, usually after fasting overnight"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72424-5
- Short code
- 3-MH
- Synonyms
- 3Me-histidine SFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.5
- Ref high
- 7.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection
- CPT
- 82131 or 82136 (Amino acids; quantitative, each)
- SNOMED
- 313342004 or 425649006
- Specimen volume
- 2.0-3.5 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 3-methylhistidine test measures the amount of a substance called 3-methylhistidine in your blood. This substance is released when muscle proteins break down. By measuring it, doctors can understand how fast your body is breaking down muscle tissue.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test to: check your nutritional status, evaluate muscle health, monitor recovery after surgery or injury, assess certain conditions that cause muscle wasting, or see how well you are responding to nutritional therapy.
How do I prepare for the test?
You will likely need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the blood test. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare team.
What happens during the test?
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. You may feel a brief pinch or sting. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Are there any risks?
The risks are minimal and include slight bruising, bleeding, or infection at the needle site. Some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after the blood draw.
Reference range
Reference range: 2.5-7.5 µg/mL (adults); values may vary by laboratory methodology and reference populationN/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not mandatory but may be recommended to minimize postprandial effects. Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to collection as exercise can transiently increase 3-methylhistidine levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to stop taking my medications?
What can I eat or drink before the test?
Is the test painful?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy