Myoglobin (Serum)
The Myoglobin (Serum) test measures myoglobin released into the blood after muscle injury. It helps assess acute muscle damage and related conditions.
Turnaround time
1-2 days
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinic.full_address }}
{{ selectedClinic.full_address }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Details about Myoglobin (Serum)
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
-
Early marker of muscle injury
Myoglobin rises quickly after damage. -
Supports rhabdomyolysis assessment
Useful in acute muscle breakdown. -
Helps explain muscle-related symptoms
Confirms biochemical muscle injury. -
Complements creatine kinase testing
Provides early-phase information. -
Useful after trauma or intense exercise
Detects subclinical muscle damage. -
Simple blood-based testing
Requires only one blood sample. -
Widely used in acute medicine
Standard muscle injury marker. -
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.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.