Myoglobin, Serum
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein in muscles that helps carry oxygen. It can help identify muscle damage or injury.
["Myoglobin levels may rise after muscle injury and can signal serious conditions like heart attacks or severe muscle trauma."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110846-3
- Short code
- Endomysium IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- Endomysium IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for muscle damage, such as from exercise, injury, or conditions like rhabdomyolysis. It can also be used alongside other tests to help diagnose conditions affecting the heart or kidneys, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. Tell your doctor about any recent muscle injury, illness, or medications you’re taking, as these can affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will clean your arm and insert a needle to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s quick and not painful.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage, but they can also be influenced by other factors like dehydration or certain medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Myoglobin plays a key role in muscle function, and its release into the bloodstream after injury can signal severe muscle breakdown. High levels may prompt further testing for conditions like rhabdomyolysis (a dangerous muscle breakdown), kidney issues, or heart problems. Your doctor will use these results alongside other information to guide care.
Short name
Myoglobin Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high myoglobin level mean?
Can diet or medications affect myoglobin levels?
How soon will I get my test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy