Myoglobin, Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration
Myoglobin is a protein found in muscle tissue that helps deliver oxygen. Elevated levels may signal muscle damage or other conditions.
["This test helps detect muscle injury or heart problems by measuring myoglobin in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53833-0
- Short code
- Myoglobin Bld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Myoglobin Bld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order a myoglobin test to investigate symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, or unusual heart-related issues. It’s also used in cases of suspected rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) or after trauma, surgery, or exercise.
What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
High levels of myoglobin in the blood can indicate recent muscle damage, heart attack, or other conditions that damage tissues. Very low levels are less common but may suggest certain muscle disorders or kidney problems.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where myoglobin is measured using an immunoassay or similar method to detect its presence and concentration.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated myoglobin levels can result from muscle injuries (e.g., strains, fractures), heart attacks, severe exercise, or conditions like sepsis or certain cancers. Low levels are rare but may occur with muscle diseases or kidney issues.
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.
Clinical Significance: Myoglobin is a sensitive marker for muscle tissue damage. While it can rise quickly after injury, it’s also cleared from the blood by the kidneys. High levels may prompt further testing for conditions like rhabdomyolysis or cardiac events, as myoglobin can damage kidneys if levels remain elevated too long.
Short name
Myoglobin Level
Frequently asked questions
What triggers myoglobin to rise in the blood?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet or medications 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy