Myoglobin-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that compares myoglobin with creatinine to help evaluate muscle breakdown and identify myoglobin released into the urine.
["An elevated result may indicate muscle injury and release of myoglobin into the urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11147-6
- Short code
- Myoglobin/Creat Ur
- Synonyms
- Myoglobin/Creat Ur
- Category
- kidney
- 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 is this test?
This test measures myoglobin in urine relative to creatinine, a waste product used as a marker of urine concentration. Myoglobin is a protein released from muscle tissue when muscle cells are damaged.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to look for muscle injury, especially when there is dark-colored urine, muscle pain, weakness, or concern for a condition called rhabdomyolysis. It may also be used to monitor people taking medicines that can injure muscles.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and tested in a laboratory to measure the amounts of myoglobin and creatinine. The results are used to calculate a myoglobin-to-creatinine ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the urine collection instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory. These may include collecting a clean-catch, midstream urine sample at a specified time, and avoiding heavy exercise before collection because it can temporarily increase urine myoglobin.
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.
An elevated ratio may indicate that muscle tissue is breaking down and releasing myoglobin into the urine. This can occur after severe muscle injury, intense exercise, seizures, prolonged pressure on muscles, or certain medicine effects. High urine myoglobin may increase the risk of kidney injury, so results should be interpreted alongside other kidney and muscle tests.
Short name
Urine myoglobin-to-creatinine ratio
Frequently asked questions
What does myoglobin in urine mean?
Why is creatinine included in this test?
Can medicines or exercise affect the result?
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