Myoglobin (Serum or Plasma) Immunoassay
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle cells, in your blood. Myoglobin helps release oxygen to muscles during exercise or injury.
["Myoglobin helps identify muscle damage or heart-related conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74278-3
- Short code
- M TB IFN-g.ESAT-6 Ag Bld
- Synonyms
- M TB IFN-g.ESAT-6 Ag Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Myoglobin is released into the bloodstream when muscle tissues are damaged, often due to injuries like a heart attack (myocardial infarction), severe muscle strain, or other trauma. This test detects small amounts of myoglobin in your serum or plasma.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of muscle injury or to evaluate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or muscle weakness that could indicate a heart attack or other serious conditions.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
What Are Common Results?
Results are not typically provided in absolute numbers due to variability in testing methods and reference ranges. Instead, they are often interpreted in relation to clinical symptoms and other test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Myoglobin Level
Frequently asked questions
How soon after injury or symptoms should I expect results?
Elevated levels may suggest recent muscle injury, heart damage, or other conditions causing tissue breakdown. However, results are always interpreted alongside your medical history, symptoms, and other tests.
No special preparation is needed. You may eat and drink normally before the test, but avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activity that day.
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