Myoglobin in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein released from muscle cells, in your urine. Myoglobin can appear in urine when muscle tissue is damaged.
["Myoglobin in urine helps identify muscle injuries or conditions that cause muscle breakdown."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14239-8
- Short code
- MBP IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- MBP IgM Ser-aCnc
- 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 Might This Test Be Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, or unexplained fatigue, especially after physical activity, trauma, or certain medical conditions. It can also be used to monitor muscle damage in people with conditions like rhabdomyolysis (a serious muscle breakdown disorder).
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Elevated levels of myoglobin in urine may suggest recent or ongoing muscle injury, such as from exercise, trauma, or certain illnesses. However, myoglobin can also be present in other conditions, so results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small urine sample is collected, typically during a routine urine test. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure the concentration of myoglobin using a sensitive detection method.
What Are Common Causes of Elevated Myoglobin?
High levels of myoglobin in urine can occur due to muscle damage from exercise, injuries, infections, or metabolic disorders. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis, muscle overuse, or certain medications may also contribute.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Myoglobin
Frequently asked questions
Myoglobin in urine is important for diagnosing or monitoring muscle-related conditions that require prompt medical attention, such as severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which can lead to kidney problems if untreated. Early detection helps guide treatment decisions.
Myoglobin levels in urine can sometimes be falsely elevated due to contamination or certain medications. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and other test results to ensure accurate interpretation.
This test is usually quick and painless, but you may need to follow specific instructions, such as avoiding certain foods or medications, to ensure accurate 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