Myoglobin, Serum
Also known as: MYOG-S
Use
Myoglobin is a heme protein that is primarily found in muscle tissues. Elevated serum levels of myoglobin can indicate muscle injury, and are often used in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). However, myoglobin is not specific to cardiac tissue, so it is not used as a standalone marker for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Instead, it is often used in conjunction with other cardiac markers, such as troponin, to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Special Instructions
This test should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. For the diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndrome, testing for Troponin T (cTnT) is recommended. Myoglobin testing is more commonly performed as part of a panel of tests.
Limitations
Since myoglobin is not specific to cardiac muscle, elevation in serum levels can occur due to any muscle damage, not just cardiac damage. Additionally, myoglobin levels rise and fall rapidly after muscle injury, which limits its use in diagnosing events that occurred more than a day previously. Elevated levels of myoglobin must be interpreted in the context of other clinical findings and laboratory tests, particularly in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2639-3
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 days |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |