Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay for Myoglobin in Serum
This test measures the level of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle tissue, in your blood. Myoglobin helps release oxygen to muscles during exercise or injury.
["Myoglobin levels can signal muscle damage or heart issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95173-1
- Short code
- M meleagridis DNA Ct Spec Qn NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- M meleagridis DNA Ct Spec Qn NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 have symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, or unusual fatigue—especially after exercise, trauma, or heart problems. It can also help diagnose conditions like heart attacks or muscle injuries.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort.
What the Results Mean
Elevated levels may indicate recent muscle damage (e.g., from exercise, injury, or illness) or heart-related stress. Very high levels could signal severe conditions like a heart attack or rhabdomyolysis (a serious muscle breakdown). Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated myoglobin can result from muscle strain, infections, or metabolic disorders. Low levels are less common but may occur with chronic muscle wasting or certain genetic conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Myoglobin is a sensitive marker for muscle and cardiac injury. While it can signal acute problems like heart attacks or muscle tears, it’s often used alongside other tests (like troponin) for a full picture. Repeated testing may be needed if symptoms persist.
Short name
Myoglobin (ECLI)
Frequently asked questions
What triggers myoglobin to rise in the blood?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or exercise affect myoglobin levels?
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