Myoglobin, 24-Hour Urinary Excretion
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle cells, that your body releases into your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess muscle damage or conditions that may cause myoglobin release.
["This test helps identify muscle injuries or diseases that release myoglobin into urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68960-4
- Short code
- Myoglobin 24h Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Myoglobin 24h Ur Ql
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate muscle damage. It may also be used to monitor conditions like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) or certain muscle diseases.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect all your urine over a 24-hour period in a special container. The urine is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure myoglobin levels.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported as the total amount of myoglobin excreted in the urine over 24 hours. Elevated levels may suggest muscle damage or other underlying conditions.
What Does Elevated Myoglobin Mean?
High urinary myoglobin levels can signal muscle injury, such as from overexertion, trauma, or certain medical conditions. It may also indicate kidney problems if myoglobin builds up in the bloodstream and affects kidney function.
Reference range
Adult males: 20-70 μg/L; Females: 25-58 μg/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated myoglobin in urine can be a marker for muscle breakdown, which may require medical attention to prevent complications like kidney damage. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Short name
Urinary Myoglobin Over 24 Hours
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated myoglobin levels in urine?
How soon will I get my results?
Can I eat or drink normally before this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy