Myoglobin, Serum
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle tissue, in your blood serum. Myoglobin helps release oxygen to muscles during intense exercise or injury.
["Myoglobin helps diagnose muscle injuries or heart problems by detecting early signs of damage."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110217-7
- Short code
- Myoglobin Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Myoglobin Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- 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 cramping, especially after exercise or trauma. It can also be used to evaluate conditions like heart attacks, muscle disorders, or kidney issues, where myoglobin levels may rise due to tissue damage.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider about any medications or recent injuries.
Possible Causes of Elevated Levels
High myoglobin levels can occur after muscle injuries (e.g., strains, cramps), heart attacks, or severe burns. It may also appear in kidney problems, where myoglobin can’t be filtered out properly.
Possible Causes of Low Levels
Myoglobin levels are rarely low in healthy individuals. Very low levels might be seen in rare genetic muscle disorders or severe muscle wasting, but this is uncommon.
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 is often an early indicator of muscle or heart damage. While not always definitive, it can prompt further testing (like cardiac enzymes) to assess conditions like a heart attack or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown). Your provider will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
Short name
Myoglobin Level
Frequently asked questions
How soon will I get my results?
What does a normal range mean for me?
Can I take anything 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