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Myoglobin
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?Myoglobin is a small oxygen-binding protein found in heart and skeletal muscles. The function of myoglobin is to trap oxygen within muscle cells, which allows them to produce the energy required for muscular contraction. When heart or skeletal muscle is injured, myoglobin is released into the blood, and increased concentrations can be measured within a few hours following injury.
Myoglobin is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and is excreted into the urine. If large amounts of myoglobin are released into the bloodstream, such as after severe trauma, the excess myoglobin may cause damage to the kidneys and eventually result in kidney failure.
How is the sample collected for testing?A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm to measure serum myoglobin. A random urine sample is collected to measure urine myoglobin.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is required.
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This article was last reviewed on
April 29, 2008.
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