Myoglobin

The Chemical Pathology Laboratory at GHNHSFT has discontinued its urine myoglobin testing service

The most reliable test in the diagnosis of rhabdomyolyis is the level of the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) in the blood

CK is released by damaged muscle cells and levels >5 times the upper limit of normal have been reported to be consistent with rhabdomyolyisis.

Urine myoglobin is no longer considered appropriate due to its lack of specificity.

Recomended approach for suspected rhabdomyolysis

If rhabdomyolysis is suspected, then send a gold top blood sample for CK to the laboratory and dipstick the urine for haem on the ward.

References

Review article on "Rhabdomyolysis and its treatment"

Patient.co.uk article on "Rhabdomyolysis and Other Causes of Myoglobinuria"