Myoglobin

General Information

Myoglobin is a small protein, and it leaks out of cells soon after injury. Myoglobin levels start to rise within 1–3 hours of a heart attack or other muscle injury, reach their highest values by about 8–12 hours, and generally fall back to normal by about one day after injury occurred.

Due to the poor sensitity and specificity of measuring myoglobin in cases of rhabdomyolysis and myocardial infarction, analysis is no longer available in the laboratory.

For suspected cases of rhabdomyolysis, it is recommended that serial CK measurements are made.

For suspected myocardial infarction, Troponin T measurement is recommended.

Discuss with Duty Biochemist on Bleep 2506 if necessary.