Total Protein in Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes both albumin and globulin proteins essential for various bodily functions.
["Assesses overall protein levels in your blood for health monitoring and diagnosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105029-3
- Short code
- OXA24
- Synonyms
- blaOXA24/40 gene Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or bacterial culture transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87798
- SNOMED
- 398141002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or appropriate clinical specimen (blood, respiratory, urine, or tissue as clinically indicated)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below) for up to 30 days; Room temperature for up to 24 hours
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate kidney function, detect liver disease, monitor nutritional status, or identify conditions like malnutrition, dehydration, or certain blood disorders. It can also help assess protein-losing conditions or track responses to treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your provider specifies it, but this is not always required for protein measurement. Bring any medications or questions to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A small sample of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the site.
What Are the Results Mean?
Results help determine if your protein levels are within normal ranges. Abnormally low or high levels may signal underlying health issues that need further investigation, such as dietary deficiencies, organ dysfunction, or immune system disorders.
Reference range
Negative (blaOXA-24/40 gene not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Sample should be collected prior to antibiotic administration when clinically possible to maximize detection sensitivity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low total protein levels may indicate conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or severe infections, while elevated levels could suggest dehydration, inflammation, or certain liver or kidney disorders. Regular monitoring is important for patients with chronic conditions like cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome.
Short name
Total Serum Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
What does a low or high protein level mean?
Can diet affect my protein test 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