What is the Myoglobin (Serum) test?

The Myoglobin (Serum) test measures the level of myoglobin, a protein found in skeletal and cardiac muscle that stores oxygen. When muscle tissue is damaged, myoglobin is rapidly released into the bloodstream.

Because myoglobin rises quickly after muscle injury, this test is useful in detecting acute muscle breakdown, including trauma, intense physical exertion, or muscle-related medical conditions. It may also be used alongside other markers in cardiac and rhabdomyolysis assessment.

Why do I need a Myoglobin (Serum) test?

Muscle injury can occur for many reasons and may not always be obvious clinically. Blood testing helps confirm whether muscle breakdown is occurring.

You may need this test if you:

• Have muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness

• Experience dark or cola-coloured urine

• Have had recent trauma or crush injury

• Perform extreme or unaccustomed physical exercise

• Are being assessed for rhabdomyolysis

• Have suspected muscle damage from medication or toxins

• Are being evaluated after cardiac symptoms (with other markers)

Early detection helps guide further investigation and management.

Benefits of the test

1. Early marker of muscle injury
   Myoglobin rises quickly after damage.

2. Supports rhabdomyolysis assessment
   Useful in acute muscle breakdown.

3. Helps explain muscle-related symptoms
   Confirms biochemical muscle injury.

4. Complements creatine kinase testing
   Provides early-phase information.

5. Useful after trauma or intense exercise
   Detects subclinical muscle damage.

6. Simple blood-based testing
   Requires only one blood sample.

7. Widely used in acute medicine
   Standard muscle injury marker.

8. Supports timely clinical decisions
   Early detection reduces complication risk.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample taken by a clinician

• Sample sent to the laboratory

• Results issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Mobile phlebotomist attends your location

• Blood sample taken at home or hotel

• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Low / normal myoglobin

• Myoglobin within reference range

• UK standard (typical): <70 µg/L

• Suggests no significant recent muscle injury

Moderately elevated myoglobin

• Above reference range

• UK standard (typical): 70–300 µg/L

• May indicate mild or recent muscle injury

High myoglobin

• Markedly elevated levels

• UK standard: >300 µg/L

• Suggests significant muscle breakdown and increased risk to kidney function

Results should be interpreted alongside creatine kinase, kidney function, and clinical context.