3-Methyl Histidine Quantitative Urine Test

This test measures the levels of a breakdown product of the amino acid 3-Methyl Histidine in the urine. 

Doctors will recommend this test to

• To investigate the cause of muscle weakness or wasting.
• To diagnose conditions that cause muscle damage.
• To monitor treatment effectiveness for muscular dystrophy and other muscle diseases.

Your doctor might recommend this test if you have

• Symptoms suggestive of muscular dystrophy, kidney disease or rhabdomyolysis.
• Family history or genetic risk factors for muscular dystrophy, kidney disease or rhabdomyolysis.
• Unexplained muscle wasting or weakness.
• Symptoms suggestive of other kidney diseases.

Elevated levels of 3-Methyl Histidine in urine can indicate muscle tissue damage or breakdown due to certain diseases, including muscular dystrophy, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney disease. Level also increases in polymyositis, thyrotoxic myopathy while the level falls significantly in hypothyroid myopathy.

During the test, you will be asked to provide a spot urine sample to be sent to the laboratory for testing.

To prepare for this test

• Your doctor may advise you not to take certain medications that can interfere with the test results.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid excessive exercise or muscle strain before the test.

Please reach out to your healthcare provider for any specific requirements.

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the 3-Methyl Histidine Quantitative Urine test include:

• Creatinine Blood Test: This measures levels of creatinine, which is a waste product excreted by the kidneys.
• CK (Creatine Kinase) Blood Test: This measures levels of an enzyme that is released when there is muscle damage.

Other blood tests or imaging tests may also be ordered depending on individual cases.

Urinary methylhistidine, methylhistidine quantitative urine

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle tissue breaks down quickly and releases its contents into the bloodstream, leading to potential complications such as renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. Causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, infections, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.

Muscular dystrophy encompasses a collection of over 30 genetic disorders characterized by the gradual weakening and deterioration of voluntary movement-associated skeletal muscles, with variations in age of onset, muscle involvement, and severity.