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Myoglobin [Mass Rate] in 24-Hour Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of myoglobin released into the urine over a 24-hour period. Myoglobin is a protein that can appear in urine when muscle tissue breaks down.

Quick summary

["An increased result may indicate muscle injury or increased muscle breakdown, but it must be interpreted with other clinical findings and laboratory results."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2642-7
Short code
Myoglobin 24h Ur-mRate
Synonyms
Myoglobin 24h Ur-mRate
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
70
Critical range
— – 200 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83880
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What the Test Measures

The test measures myoglobin excretion over 24 hours, providing information about the amount of muscle-breakdown product passing into the urine during that collection period.

Why It May Be Ordered

A clinician may order this test when symptoms or findings suggest muscle injury, such as muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, or possible rhabdomyolysis.

How the Sample Is Collected

Urine is collected for a full 24 hours in the container and schedule provided by the laboratory. The collection period should be completed as instructed because missed or added urine can affect the result.

Factors That May Affect Results

Heavy exercise, muscle injury, medications, and kidney function can affect urinary myoglobin. A 24-hour collection may be incomplete, so the healthcare provider may review collection adequacy before interpreting the result.

Reference range

Adult males: 20-70 μg/L; Females: 25-58 μg/LN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine Myoglobin

Frequently asked questions

What does a high urine myoglobin result mean?
A high result may indicate that muscle tissue is breaking down and releasing myoglobin into the urine. The healthcare provider will consider symptoms and other laboratory tests to determine the cause.
Does exercise affect urine myoglobin?
Yes. Strenuous or prolonged exercise can temporarily increase myoglobin in urine, particularly when it follows heavy exertion or muscle injury.
How important is completing the 24-hour urine collection correctly?
Very important. Missing urine or including urine collected outside the specified period can make the measured excretion rate inaccurate, so follow the laboratory's collection instructions closely.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy