Myoglobin urine test
Definition
The myoglobin urine test is done to detect the presence of myoglobin in urine.
Myoglobin can also be measured with a
Alternative Names
Urine myoglobin; Heart attack - myoglobin urine test; Myositis - myoglobin urine test; Rhabdomyolysis - myoglobin urine test
How the Test is Performed
A
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination, which should cause no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
Myoglobin is a protein in heart and skeletal muscles. When you exercise, your muscles use up available oxygen. Myoglobin has oxygen attached to it, which provides extra oxygen for the muscles to keep up a high level of activity for a longer period.
When muscle is damaged, myoglobin in muscle cells is released into the bloodstream. The kidneys help remove myoglobin from the blood into the urine. When the level of myoglobin is too high, it can damage the kidneys.
This test is ordered when your provider suspects you have muscle damage, such as damage to the heart or skeletal muscle. It may also be ordered if you have
Normal Results
A normal urine sample does not have myoglobin. A normal result is sometimes reported as negative.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
Heart attack Malignant hyperthermia (very rare)-
Disorder that causes muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue (
muscular dystrophy ) -
Breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood (
rhabdomyolysis ) - Skeletal muscle inflammation (
myositis ) - Skeletal muscle ischemia (oxygen deficiency)
- Skeletal muscle trauma
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Myoglobin, qualitative - urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:808.
Nagaraju K, Gladue HS, Lundberg IE. Inflammatory diseases of muscle and other myopathies. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Kelly and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 85.
Selcen D. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 421.
Review Date: 02/02/2019
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