Total Serum Protein (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum. Protein is essential for many bodily functions, including transporting nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and supporting immune responses.
["Your blood protein levels help assess overall health and identify potential issues like malnutrition or kidney problems."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15164-7
- Short code
- C3SF
- Synonyms
- C3 Snv-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile screw-cap plastic tube (polypropylene) without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry
- CPT
- 86160
- SNOMED
- 104330009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of synovial fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to evaluate symptoms such as swelling (edema), unexplained weight loss, or signs of kidney disease. It can also help diagnose conditions like liver disease, malnutrition, or certain infections.
What to Expect
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The process is quick and typically requires minimal discomfort. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be advised in some cases.
Normal vs. Abnormal Results
While reference ranges vary by lab, higher than expected levels may suggest conditions like dehydration or chronic inflammation, while lower levels could indicate malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney problems.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Changes in protein levels can occur with kidney disease, liver disorders, infections, or certain medications. Chronic diseases like heart failure or severe burns may also influence these results.
Reference range
Synovial fluid complement C3 levels are typically lower than serum levels; interpretation should be made in clinical context. Consult laboratory-specific reference ranges.N/A
No special patient preparation required prior to arthrocentesis. Inform clinician of any current anticoagulant therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes my protein levels to be too high?
What causes my protein levels to be too low?
Do I need to prepare for 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy