Total Protein in Serum or Plasma by Turbidimetry
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and globulins. Proteins are essential for maintaining fluid balance, supporting immune function, and transporting nutrients.
["Your blood protein levels help assess hydration, nutrition, and overall health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108479-7
- Short code
- FLCU
- Synonyms
- BJ Protein Free Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container; 24-hour collection requires a large-volume container with preservative (e.g., thymol or toluene) maintained at 2–8°C during collection
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1.65
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Nephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 83521
- SNOMED
- 313913002
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL random urine or complete 24-hour urine collection
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to check for conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, liver problems, or malnutrition. It can also help monitor chronic conditions like heart failure or certain immune disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm, or your urine may be collected in a container. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal protein levels might suggest conditions like dehydration, multiple myeloma, or severe infections. Lower-than-normal levels could indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney problems, or certain inflammatory conditions.
Common Conditions Affecting Protein Levels
Changes in protein levels can signal underlying health issues, such as chronic kidney disease (which may reduce protein production) or liver disease (which affects protein synthesis). Severe infections or burns can also temporarily alter protein concentrations.
Reference range
Free kappa light chains: <1.65 mg/L; Free lambda light chains: <3.79 mg/L; Kappa/Lambda ratio: 2.04–10.37 (24-hour urine values may be reported as mg/24h)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should maintain normal hydration unless instructed otherwise by their physician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to fast before this test?
Can I take my medications before the blood draw?
How long will it take to get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy