What Is Myoglobin?

What it is

Myoglobin is a muscle protein released into blood when muscle — including heart muscle — is damaged.

Why it matters

It rises earliest after myocardial injury but has low cardiac specificity; used as an early marker in multi-marker panels.

Specimen

Whole blood / serum / plasma

Interpretation

Elevated = muscle (including cardiac) injury.

Limitations

Low cardiac specificity — use in panels with troponin.

Related test: Myoglobin Rapid Test — specimen: WB / S / P

Frequently Asked Questions

Is myoglobin cardiac-specific? No — it is an early but non-specific marker; use with troponin.

Related knowledge

• Cardiac markers hub