Serum or plasma mass concentration of a specific protein marker (likely related to cardiac troponin or myoglobin, given common cardiac biomarker testing conventions)
This test measures the amount of a protein in your blood, which may help assess damage to heart muscle or muscle tissue.
["This test can help diagnose conditions affecting your heart or muscles."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68919-0
- Short code
- GH 15M p Exc SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 15M p Exc SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
This test detects a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle or skeletal muscle is damaged. The protein’s presence and level can indicate whether tissue injury has occurred, such as from a heart attack, heart strain, or muscle injury.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or muscle weakness, or if you’re at risk for heart disease or muscle disorders. It can also be used to monitor conditions like heart attacks, heart failure, or muscle diseases.
When Will You Get Results?
Results typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your provider will discuss the results with you during your follow-up visit.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated levels may suggest recent heart damage (e.g., a heart attack), severe muscle injury, or conditions like myocarditis or rhabdomyolysis. Low or normal levels don’t rule out injury entirely, as some damage may not release detectable protein immediately.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for the protein to appear in my blood after injury?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the blood draw?
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