Myoglobin (Serum) – Electrophoresis
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle tissue, in your blood. Myoglobin helps release oxygen to muscles during intense exercise or injury.
["Myoglobin can signal muscle damage or heart issues, helping doctors diagnose conditions quickly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51699-7
- Short code
- Endomysium IgG Titr Ser IF
- Synonyms
- Endomysium IgG Titr Ser IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 8
- Ref high
- 61
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- CPT
- 82977
- SNOMED
- 3110003
- 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 if you’ve experienced sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or muscle pain, especially after trauma or intense exercise. It can also help assess conditions like heart attacks or muscle injuries.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. If you’re taking blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your doctor know.
What the Results Mean
Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage (e.g., from a crash or overuse) or heart-related issues. Lower levels could be normal or due to certain medical conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and health history.
Common Conditions Linked to Myoglobin Levels
High myoglobin can signal rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), heart attacks, or other emergencies. Low levels may occur with dehydration or certain genetic disorders.
Reference range
Adult males: 8-61 U/L; Adult females: 5-36 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Myoglobin is a sensitive marker for muscle and cardiac injury. It appears in blood shortly after damage, making it useful for early diagnosis of conditions like heart attacks or traumatic injuries. However, results alone aren’t diagnostic without clinical correlation.
Short name
Myoglobin Level (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes myoglobin to rise in the blood?
How soon after injury can myoglobin be detected?
Can myoglobin levels be affected by diet or supplements?
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