Serum Myoglobin
Serum Myoglobin
Serum myoglobin test is used to measure the amount of myoglobin protein in a given blood sample. This test is done to aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as muscular dystrophy that cause progressive muscle damage.
Your heart and skeletal muscles contain a protein called myoglobin. Myoglobin is released into the blood when you suffer a heart attack or significant muscle damage.
Two to three hours after the onset of the first signs of muscle damage, myoglobin levels in your blood rise. Typically, it reaches its peak level, 8 to 12 hours later.
Myoglobin is removed from your body through your urine after being filtered out of your blood by the kidneys. However, an excessive amount of myoglobin can damage your kidneys and cause kidney failure. In some instances, health care professionals will use a urine test for myoglobin to help identify the problem and protect the health of your kidneys.
Thus, getting your Myoglobin, Serum test is recommended to diagnose muscle tissue damage or muscle disease
Symptoms of muscle damage
Muscle pain
Dark-coloured urine
Fever
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
What is Myoglobin, Serum test used for?
To check if you have muscle damage, especially in skeletal muscles
To check for acute kidney failure
To check for heart damage due to heart attack
To check for muscular dystrophy condition
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for serum myoglobin test. Ensure your doctor is aware of what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are Nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL)
|
Protein |
Normal reference level |
|
Myoglobin |
25 to 72 ng/mL |
Deviation from normal levels indicate the following:
· Higher than normal level of myoglobin may be caused due to heart attack, muscular dystrophy, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, skeletal muscle ischemia, and skeletal muscle trauma.
Lower than normal level of myoglobin may be caused due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and also due to antibodies against myoglobin present in your blood
FAQs
How is the sample collected during a serum myoglobin test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes
What are the risks involved in a serum myoglobin test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of a serum myoglobin test?
Result of a serum myoglobin test is usually available within 48 hours after sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
What factors can affect the serum myoglobin test result?
Consumption of cocaine and alcohol can have an impact on the serum myoglobin test result
What is the function of myoglobin?
The primary function of myoglobin is to provide oxygen to the myocytes, which are the cells that make up your muscles. Your heart muscles and skeletal muscles need a lot of oxygen and energy as they are in constant use
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