Myoglobin in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle tissue, in your blood. Myoglobin helps deliver oxygen to muscles and is released into the blood when muscle cells are damaged.
["Myoglobin levels can help identify muscle injuries or conditions affecting muscle function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2639-3
- Short code
- Myoglobin SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Myoglobin SerPl-mCnc
- 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
What Is Myoglobin?
Myoglobin is a small protein that carries oxygen in muscle cells. It’s also released into the bloodstream when muscle tissue is injured or damaged, often due to conditions like muscle strains, heart attacks, or other emergencies requiring rapid oxygen delivery. Unlike hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), myoglobin is not bound to red blood cells and circulates freely in the bloodstream.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to investigate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or muscle pain that could suggest conditions like a heart attack (myocardial infarction), severe muscle injury, or other emergencies. It can also help diagnose certain types of muscle disorders or rule out conditions where muscle damage is suspected.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where myoglobin levels are measured using an immunoassay or similar method to detect its presence and concentration.
What Are Common Results?
Results are reported as a mass concentration (e.g., micrograms per deciliter). While reference ranges vary by lab, elevated levels may indicate recent muscle damage or certain medical emergencies. Normal results do not rule out all possible causes of symptoms.
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 levels are often a sign of muscle injury or damage, such as from trauma, exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), or conditions like heart attacks. However, myoglobin can also rise in other situations, such as infections, certain cancers, or metabolic disorders. Doctors use these results alongside other tests and symptoms to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
Myoglobin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes myoglobin levels to rise?
How long does it take to get results?
Can myoglobin levels be affected by diet or supplements?
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