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Urine Vs. Serum Myoglobin in Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially serious condition characterized by abnormal breakdown of the fibers of skeletal muscle tissue. In turn, muscle breakdown triggers the release of the protein pigment myoglobin into the blood and urine.

  1. The Facts

    • Once released into the bloodstream from damaged muscles, myoglobin breaks down into compounds that enter the kidneys, according to Medline Plus. In the kidneys, these myoglobin components can trigger kidney failure or the condition called acute tubular necrosis.

    Myoglobin Levels

    • Blood (serum) levels of myoglobin begin to rise with two to three hours of muscle injury, according to Lab Tests Online. Maximum levels of increase occur within 8 to 12 hours.

    Serum Myoglobin

    • Positive results on a serum myoglobin test indicate the presence of rhabdomyolysis, reports Medline Plus.

    Urine Myoglobin

    • Under normal circumstances, levels of myoglobin in urine are minimal or undetectable, reports Lab Tests Online. Medline Plus notes that positive results on a urine myoglobin test also indicate the presence of rhabdomyolysis.

    Hemoglobin

    • The presence in urine of the red blood cell protein hemoglobin can also indicate the abnormal presence of myoglobin, notes Lab Tests Online.

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