Home / Blood Tests / Myoglobin

Myoglobin

Myoglobin is a protein that is primarily found in muscle cells, where it plays a critical role in storing and transporting oxygen within the muscle. When muscle tissue is damaged, such as in cases of muscle injury or rhabdomyolysis (a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down rapidly), myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. The myoglobin test measures the level of myoglobin in the blood and is used as a marker of muscle damage. Elevated levels of myoglobin can be seen within hours of muscle injury or rhabdomyolysis, and can remain elevated for several days. The myoglobin test is most commonly used in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute kidney injury (AKI), which can occur as a result of the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin can also be used to diagnose and monitor other conditions that involve muscle damage, such as myocardial infarction (MI), traumatic injuries, and muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy. However, it is important to note that myoglobin is not a specific marker of any particular condition, and elevated levels can also be seen in other conditions, such as renal failure, pulmonary embolism, and certain cancers. Therefore, interpretation of the myoglobin test results must be done in conjunction with other clinical information, and further testing may be necessary to diagnose specific medical conditions.

There is an additional £20 phlebotomy fee for every donation.