Total Protein, Serum
This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood serum, which includes albumin and other proteins like globulins.
["Your blood protein levels can help identify conditions affecting your kidneys, liver, or immune system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4498-2
- Short code
- C4
- Synonyms
- C4 SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; plasma may be collected in EDTA or lithium heparin tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 16
- Ref high
- 47
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunonephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 86160
- SNOMED
- 71878006
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 2 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 2 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order a total protein test to check for health issues such as kidney disease, liver problems, infections, or certain cancers. It can also help monitor conditions like malnutrition or autoimmune disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about any medications or health conditions you have.
What the Results Mean
Higher-than-normal protein levels might suggest conditions like multiple myeloma, severe dehydration, or liver disease. Lower-than-normal levels could indicate malnutrition, kidney disease, or certain inflammatory conditions.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, infections, and certain types of cancer.
Reference range
Adults: 16-47 mg/dL (0.16-0.47 g/L); values may vary slightly by laboratory and analytical methodN/A
No special preparation required; fasting not necessary. Patient should be well-hydrated prior to venipuncture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What causes high total protein levels?
What causes low total protein levels?
Does diet affect total 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