Serum or plasma concentration of total protein by nephelometry
This test measures the amount of protein in your blood, which helps assess overall protein levels and identify potential issues like malnutrition, kidney problems, or liver disease.
["Total protein levels reflect your body’s protein balance and organ function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50310-2
- Short code
- CD7TIS
- Synonyms
- CD7 Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile container with 10% neutral buffered formalin for tissue preservation; formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block or unstained slides
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- CPT
- 88342
- SNOMED
- 406470005
- Specimen volume
- Tissue specimen adequate for histologic evaluation (minimum 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm); 4-5 micron thick unstained sections on positively charged slides
- Stability
- FFPE tissue blocks: stable indefinitely at room temperature. Unstained slides: stable for up to 6 months at 2-8°C. Fresh tissue should be fixed in 10% NBF within 1 hour of collection for optimal antigen preservation.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why It Matters in Your Health
Total protein includes both albumin and globulin proteins, which play key roles in maintaining blood pressure, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune function. Low levels may signal conditions like severe dehydration, malnutrition, or kidney disease, while high levels could indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or severe liver disease.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Changes in total protein can stem from dietary deficiencies, chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney or liver disease), infections, or certain medications. For example, dehydration may raise protein levels due to concentrated blood, while kidney problems can lead to protein loss in urine.
How the Test Works
This test uses nephelometry, a method that measures how much light scatters when it interacts with proteins in your blood sample. The result is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm, and sent to the lab. The sample is processed to separate serum (if drawn without an anticoagulant) or plasma (if drawn with an anticoagulant like EDTA or citrate). The protein concentration is then measured.
Reference range
Presence or absence of CD7 antigen expression reported. Normal lymphoid tissue (T-cell zones) shows positive staining as expected. Results interpreted as Positive (present) or Negative (absent) in conjunction with morphologic and clinical findings.N/A
No special patient preparation required prior to tissue biopsy or surgical resection. Standard informed consent for tissue sampling applies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a low total protein level mean?
What does a high total protein level mean?
How often should I get 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