[Myoglobin-latex test. A new rapid test for the improvement of the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarct].

Myoglobin concentrations were determined radioimmunologically and with a semiquantitative rapid latex test in 684 serum samples. There was a good correlation of both tests. The latex test becomes positive above 90 micrograms/l, i.e. the diagnostically relevant range. Myoglobin was determined in 27 patients with acute myocardial infarction at the same time as serum values of enzymes CK, CK-MB, LDH and GOT. This was done during three days every two hours. Diagnostically useful myoglobin increases were found on average already 2.6 +/- 0.9 hours after onset of pain, i.e. 3-4 hours before the first increase of enzymes CK-MB and CK. Out of 85 patients with acute myocardial infarction already 70% had a positive myoglobin latex test at the time of admission. In contrast, only 30% had increased enzyme activities (CK and CK-MB). Non-infarct-associated increases of myoglobin in serum were seen in patients with terminal renal failure, severe shock, muscle trauma, muscle diseases, alcohol intoxication and after reanimation.