Total Myoglobin Concentration (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the amount of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle tissue, in your blood. Myoglobin helps release oxygen to muscles during exercise or injury.
["Myoglobin helps identify muscle damage or bleeding in the lungs or heart."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20387-7
- Short code
- TMP SMX Islt SlowMyco
- Synonyms
- TMP SMX Islt SlowMyco
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria
- 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 to check for conditions like muscle injuries (such as a heart attack or severe muscle strain), lung bleeding, or other emergencies where myoglobin levels might rise quickly. It can also help monitor certain treatments or conditions affecting muscle or blood flow.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. If you’re concerned about needles, let your healthcare provider know. Avoid strenuous activity 24 hours before the test if you have muscle injuries.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you can usually return to your normal activities afterward.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are compared to a general reference range for healthy adults. High levels may suggest muscle damage, bleeding in the lungs, or other conditions requiring medical attention. Low levels are usually normal but may need further evaluation if unexplained.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated myoglobin levels can indicate acute muscle breakdown (myoglobinuria) or internal bleeding. In severe cases, it may lead to kidney damage if myoglobin blocks filters in the kidneys. This test is critical for diagnosing conditions like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), pulmonary hemorrhage, or cardiac injury. Early detection can guide urgent treatment.
Short name
Myoglobin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my results are abnormal?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy