Total Protein in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and identify potential conditions like malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems.
["Your blood protein levels can signal health concerns that may need further evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4485-9
- Short code
- C3
- Synonyms
- C3 SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; plasma acceptable in heparin or EDTA tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 90
- Ref high
- 180
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry
- CPT
- 86160
- SNOMED
- 373099005
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 8 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 month. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order a total protein test to check for conditions affecting protein production, such as liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), kidney disease, or malnutrition. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like multiple myeloma or certain autoimmune 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 drawing blood. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will clean your arm with an antiseptic and insert a small needle to draw blood from a vein. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis. The process takes about 15 minutes.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low protein levels may indicate poor nutrition or organ dysfunction, while very high levels could suggest conditions like multiple myeloma or severe dehydration.
Reference range
Adults: 90-180 mg/dL. Reference ranges may vary slightly by laboratory and assay method.N/A
No special preparation required. Specimen collection is not affected by fasting status.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What does a low 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy