Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Protein (e.g., Albumin, Globulin, or Other Protein Biomarkers)
This test measures the amount of certain proteins in your blood, which can help assess overall protein status, kidney function, or specific protein-related conditions.
["Protein levels in your blood can indicate health risks or help diagnose conditions like malnutrition, kidney disease, or protein disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30934-4
- Short code
- BNP SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- BNP SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83880
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for protein imbalances that could affect your health. Common reasons include evaluating kidney function, detecting protein-losing conditions, or monitoring chronic diseases like liver disease or malnutrition. Some tests may also screen for specific protein markers tied to certain disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves a blood draw. Avoid smoking or consuming certain medications for the recommended time. If you’re on dialysis, follow your doctor’s instructions for timing.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test may take a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort, but it’s generally quick and well-tolerated.
What the Results Mean
Results will compare your protein levels to standard ranges. Low levels may signal malnutrition, kidney issues, or excessive protein loss, while high levels could indicate conditions like dehydration, liver disease, or certain infections. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Normal: <100 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Protein Level Test
Frequently asked questions
How might my protein levels affect my health?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy