Myoglobin Test
3,650 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
None
Purpose
The Myoglobin Test measures the level of myoglobin, an oxygen‑binding protein found in both cardiac and skeletal muscle, in the blood.
Myoglobin is released into the bloodstream rapidly within 1–3 hours when muscle tissue is injured, making it one of the earliest detectable markers of acute muscle damage, including myocardial infarction.
The test can be combined with Troponin I or T, CK‑MB Isoenzyme, Electrocardiogram (ECG), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) tests. By combining myoglobin with these complementary tests, clinicians can achieve a more accurate and timely diagnosis of muscle injury and myocardial infarction.
Patient Preparation
Patients on biotin supplementation should stop consumption at least 72 hours before sample collection.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of serum collected in a Gel-barrier tube, red-top tube. If the red top is used, transfer the separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range
Male: 28-72ng/ml, female 25-58ng/ml
Results Turnaround
1-3 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
High myoglobin levels in the blood indicate recent muscle injury. Causes and outcomes include:
- Trauma or Crush Injuries: Severe physical injury to muscle releases large amounts of myoglobin.
- High‑Voltage Electrical Accidents: Electrical burns damage muscle tissue, elevating myoglobin.
- Intramuscular Injections: Improper or repeated injections can locally injure muscle.
- Malignant Hyperthermia: A rapid, life‑threatening rise in body temperature during anesthesia leads to widespread muscle breakdown.
- Inflammatory Myopathies: Conditions like dermatomyositis produce ongoing muscle inflammation and release myoglobin.
- Muscular Dystrophy: Progressive muscle degeneration causes chronically elevated myoglobin.
The test results may indicate
- Markedly Elevated Myoglobin: Signals acute, severe muscle injury and should prompt evaluation for rhabdomyolysis to prevent kidney damage.
- Moderately Elevated Myoglobin: May reflect more localized or less severe muscle damage, such as minor trauma or injection‑related injury.
- Normal Myoglobin Levels: Suggest there is no significant muscle injury at the time of testing.
In all cases, high myoglobin warrants follow‑up measures such as checking renal function and electrolytes to manage potential complications like acute kidney injury. For more on the Myoglobin Test, read this study.