Test Directory

Diagnose skeletal or myocardial muscle injury. Serum myoglobin is generally detectable earlier than is CK or CK-MB increase in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Serum myoglobin was found also in 50% of patients with acute coronary insufficiency. It is thought to define a population of small infarcts of myocardium. It correlates with size of infarct. Diagnose rhabdomyolysis. Myoglobin appears with trauma, ischemia, malignant hyperthermia, exertion, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and muscular dystrophy.

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells.
2. Transfer 1 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

• Gross hemolysis

See patient report.

Lacks specificity in diagnosis of acute MI, since increased myoglobin levels occur after intramuscular injections. Increased serum myoglobin has been reported after a high voltage electrical accident. As an index of myocardial infarct, myoglobin returns rapidly to baseline levels.

Serum myoglobin is rapidly cleared by the kidneys. Urine myoglobin levels were not detected after myocardial infarct. Elevated myoglobin levels may be associated with cocaine abuse. Other conditions which cause elevation of serum myoglobin include open heart surgery, exercise, progressive muscular dystrophy, shock, and renal failure. It is increased in azotemic subjects and not effected by dialysis.