AN OVERVIEW
About Myoglobin Test
Why is the Myoglobin Test done?
The myoglobin test is done when the person shows signs of severe muscle damage. Being a protein found mainly in the striates muscles, especially those of the limbs, myoglobin aids in carrying oxygen to those muscles.
Symptoms of severe muscle injury or muscle damage are:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Frequent muscle
- cramps
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Apart from diagnosing, the myoglobin test is also used as a monitoring test for people who are already suffering from diseases that affect the muscles.
The myoglobin test was also used for checking for heart attack, but this test is no longer considered a reliable marker for cardiac arrest. Myoglobin often breaks down to form substances that cause severe damage to the kidneys.
What does the Myoglobin Test measure?
The myoglobin test is used to measure the levels of the protein myoglobin in the blood or urine of a person. Myoglobin is a protein that is similar in function to hemoglobin. Myoglobin carries oxygen to the muscles and helps in storing the muscles in the cells of the muscles.
When there is an increase in the levels of this protein in the body, symptoms of muscle damage are noted. But, there are other conditions that can lead to an increase in the myoglobin levels. These conditions are:
- Accidents that cause injury to the muscles
- Seizures
- Surgery
- Untrain people undertaking excessive workout routine
Potential risks/side effects associated with the Myoglobin Test
The home collection of the blood or urine sample for the myoglobin test is easy and many diagnostic centers offer the same at an affordable price. The collection procedure is done effectively when handled by an expert phlebotomist. There are no potential side effects or risks that are associated with the sample collection process.
If someone already is suffering from anemia or other blood or platelet-related disorders, they can feel light-headed and even faint during or after the blood is drawn. Rest and taking iron supplements would help alleviate the condition.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What other tests are prescribed along with a myoglobin test?
As the test for myoglobin checks for muscle damage, and these damages can lead to other organ conditions, the doctors can prescribe the following tests for confirming the same:
- Complete blood count or CBC
- Creatine phosphokinase
- Blood urea nitrogen
- Routine electrolysis
- Heart attack markers like troponin
What is the price for the myoglobin test?
The myoglobin test price depends on the laboratory and the other tests that are prescribed along with myoglobin test.
What drugs can cause severe msucle damage?
Apart from strenous exercises, medications like antibiotics, corticosteroids, lithium, and statins can also lead to the myoglobin levels being higher.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Myoglobin Test results
The normal range for myoglobin protein in the sample is considered to be between 0 to 85 nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL). Given that the range starts from zero (0), there are no dangers related to the myoglobin level being low. When the levels of myoglobin in the blood are above 85, it is considered to be abnormal. These abnormal levels often cause various diseases and conditions. These diseases or conditions are:
- Rhabdomyolysis: This condition causes damage and death of the muscles. People who undergo extreme fitness regimes or overdose on certain medications are at risk of contracting this life-threatening disease.
- Muscular atrophy: It is a genetic disorder that causes the muscles to weaken and become less flexible over time. While this condition can be mild, the severity can lead to death.
- Malignant hyperthermia: This is a reactive condition. Some people can have a severe reaction to anesthetics or muscle relaxants, which is often due to the body being stressed due to heat.
- Myositis: This is a condition that causes inflammation of the skeletal muscles. This swelling often leads to muscle damage.
Myoglobin Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 100*
The myoglobin test In Chandigarh is prescribed when the doctors suspect that the patient might be suffering from muscle damage. Myoglobin is a protein that is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles. So, if there is an excess amount of this protein found in the blood of the person, doctors may order further tests to determine the exact location and the type of muscles damaged. The myoglobin test is also known as the serum myoglobin test. Apart from blood, urine samples can also be collected for testing.
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